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The California governor, a well-known Democratic figure, has indicated that he will make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections wrap up.

"Yeah, I would be lying if I said no," the governor commented when asked about seriously considering a White House bid after the 2026 ballots. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

The governor's current term as California's leader ends in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he noted that any choice is not imminent.

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Rising Profile as a Political Adversary

He has stepped forward as a prominent opponent of the current federal leadership, using his social media accounts and championing a initiative that would boost the party's congressional seats in as a counter to Republican redistricting efforts. This move has invited attacks from adversaries.

Clash on Transportation

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday appearance on Fox News. Duffy disclosed a strategy to pull government money from the state and threatened revoking the authority to issue commercial driver's licenses.

"I'm about to pull $160m from California," Duffy stated, following a recent tragic collision in the state involving an unauthorized commercial driver that resulted in loss of life and injured individuals.

Newsom's office pointed out that the U.S. government had reauthorized the driver's employment repeatedly, which permitted him to receive a trucking license under federal law.

Duffy had before indicated he was holding back $40m from California for failing to implement English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Pointed Reply from the Team

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, fails to grasp national statutes," Newsom's office responded in a last month's release addressing Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we rely on data: California truck drivers had a accident mortality rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. Texas – the only state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A recently conducted poll revealed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and almost half of voters indicated that Newsom should run for the White House in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, his approval ratings has grown to an typical level of about one-third from around 30%, while his negative ratings has dropped from an mean of over 40% to 38.4%.

Earlier this year, the governor remarked while on a trip several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his plans for 2028.

He also referenced his personal struggles, including being identified as dyslexic at the age of five.

"The notion that a individual who had modest test scores, who continues to find reading challenging, who was always in the back of the classroom – the idea that you would even throw that out is, alone, extraordinary," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who emerges in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that remains the key point for the U.S. citizens."