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The California governor, a leading member of the Democratic party, has disclosed that he will make a decision about whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 midterm elections are over.

"Absolutely, I would be lying if I said no," the governor stated when questioned about giving serious thought to a campaign for president following the 2026 ballots. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

The governor's tenure as California's leader ends in January 2027, and term limits prevent another run. Yet, he noted that any decision is not imminent.

"It's up to destiny," he said.

Growing Prominence as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has stepped forward as a notable adversary of the Trump administration, using his online platforms and championing a proposition that would boost the party's congressional seats in as a counter to Republican redistricting efforts. This action has made him a target from political opponents.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that Newsom is indifferent about the state's residents in a Sunday interview on a major news network. The secretary revealed a strategy to pull federal funds from California and suggested revoking the power to grant trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160 million from California," he declared, in the wake of a this week's fatal crash in the state involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that resulted in loss of life and casualties.

The governor's team highlighted that the national authorities had reauthorized the driver's employment on several occasions, which enabled him to secure a commercial driver's license under federal law.

Duffy had earlier indicated he was withholding $40m from California for failing to implement English language requirements for truck drivers.

Pointed Reply from the Governor's Office

"Ex-reality TV personality, now transportation chief, still doesn't understand federal law," Newsom's office said in a recent statement countering the secretary's comments. "For now, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: California truck drivers 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 almost 50% higher than California. Statistics are clear. This administration is dishonest."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent poll revealed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and 48% of all registered voters indicated that the governor must consider running for president in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, public support for the governor has grown to an mean of a third from around 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an typical level of more than 40% to under 40%.

Earlier this year, the governor commented while traveling several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his plans for the next presidential election.

He noted his earlier challenges, including being identified as dyslexic at the young age of five.

"The idea that a individual who got 960 on his SAT, who continues to find reading challenging, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, in and of itself, extraordinary," he said. "No one can say? I am eager to see who presents themselves in the next election and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the U.S. citizens."