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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has revealed that he will decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections wrap up.

"Yes, I would be lying if I denied it," Newsom commented when pressed about contemplating a campaign for president post the 2026 ballots. "That wouldn't be honest. And I won't do that."

The governor's current term as governor concludes in early 2027, and he cannot run again. But, he emphasized that any decision is still years away.

"Fate will determine that," he remarked.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has emerged as a prominent critic of the current federal leadership, leveraging his digital presence and pushing a initiative that would increase the party's representation in Congress in following Republican redistricting efforts. This strategy has invited attacks from critics.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom does not care about the state's residents in a Sunday segment on a major news network. Duffy disclosed plans to cut federal funds from California and threatened eliminating the power to issue CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw $160 million from California," he said, following a this week's tragic collision in the state involving an non-citizen trucker that resulted in three deaths and casualties.

Newsom's office pointed out that the national authorities had approved the driver's employment on several occasions, which allowed him to secure a trucking license under U.S. law.

Duffy had previously announced he was blocking $40m from the state for failing to implement language proficiency rules for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"One-time television figure, now Secretary of Transportation, fails to grasp national statutes," the governor's team responded in a recent comment responding to the secretary's comments. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: The state's truck drivers had a accident mortality rate much lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate substantially higher than California. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Polling Data and Campaign Considerations

A recently conducted survey found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate believed that Newsom ought to campaign for the White House in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, his approval ratings has grown to an average of a third from previous levels, while his negative ratings has dropped from an average of previous highs to under 40%.

Some time ago, the governor remarked while on a trip several swing states that he had "no clue" about his future for the next presidential election.

He also referenced his earlier challenges, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The thought that a person who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – the fact that this is even suggested is, alone, extraordinary," he commented. "It's anyone's guess? I await who presents themselves in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the U.S. citizens."