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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has indicated that he intends to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 once the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Yes, I would be lying if I said no," the governor remarked when questioned about contemplating a White House bid post the 2026 ballots. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I can't do that."

The governor's current term as governor wraps up in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. Yet, he cautioned that any determination is a long way off.

"Fate will determine that," he added.

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

Newsom has emerged as a notable adversary of the former president's team, using his digital presence and pushing a ballot measure that would expand Democratic congressional seats in following GOP gerrymandering. This action has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor does not care about Californians in a weekend interview on Fox News. Duffy disclosed a strategy to cut government money from California and suggested eliminating the authority to provide CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from the state," he stated, in the wake of a recent deadly accident in California involving an undocumented semi truck driver that caused fatalities and injured individuals.

His administration noted that the U.S. government had approved the individual's authorization multiple times, which enabled him to receive a trucking license under national regulations.

The transportation secretary had previously indicated he was withholding $40 million from the state for failing to implement language proficiency rules for truck drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Administration

"Ex-reality TV personality, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand federal law," the governor's team responded in a previous comment responding to the funding warnings. "In the meantime, unlike this clown, we'll stick to the facts: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a accident mortality rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Facts don't lie. The Trump administration does."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A recent survey found that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters indicated that the governor must consider running for the White House in 2028. After the current administration began, his approval ratings has increased to an typical level of about one-third from previous levels, while his unfavorability has decreased from an mean of previous highs to current figures.

In previous months, Newsom stated while visiting several battleground states that he had "no idea" about his intentions for 2028.

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

"The thought that a guy who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, alone, remarkable," he commented. "No one can say? I'm looking forward to who steps forward in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that remains the key point for the U.S. citizens."