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Gavin Newsom, a well-known Democratic figure, has disclosed that he intends to make a decision about whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," the governor remarked when pressed about contemplating a campaign for president post the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I'm not."

Newsom's current term as California's leader wraps up in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. However, he emphasized that any determination is not imminent.

"The future will decide," he remarked.

Increased Visibility as a Political Adversary

The California governor has come to the forefront as a notable opponent of the former president's team, employing his social media accounts and advocating for a ballot measure that would boost the party's congressional seats in following GOP gerrymandering. This action has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Clash on Transportation

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a recent appearance on Fox News. Duffy announced intentions to withhold federal funds from the state and suggested revoking the authority to issue CDLs.

"I intend to cut $160m from the state," Duffy stated, following a recently reported tragic collision in the state involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that led to three deaths and injured individuals.

His administration pointed out that the national authorities had reauthorized the driver's employment repeatedly, which enabled him to obtain a trucking license under federal law.

Duffy had earlier announced he was withholding $40m from California for ignoring English language requirements for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"Ex-reality TV personality, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office responded in a previous comment addressing the secretary's comments. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: California CDL holders had a death rate much lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A recent study showed that a majority of the party and 48% of all registered voters said that the governor should run for the White House in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has grown to an average of 33.5% from approximately 30%, while his unfavorability has dropped from an typical level of over 40% to 38.4%.

Earlier this year, Newsom remarked while visiting several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his intentions for 2028.

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

"The thought that a guy who scored 960 on the SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – the fact that this is even suggested is, by itself, amazing," he stated. "Who the hell knows? I await who presents themselves in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the American people."