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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has disclosed that he will make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 once the 2026 elections are over.

"Yes, it would be dishonest if I said no," Newsom remarked when questioned about giving serious thought to a presidential run post the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

Newsom's tenure as California's leader wraps up in January 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. But, he cautioned that any choice is still years away.

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Rising Profile as a Political Adversary

The California governor has stepped forward as a notable critic of the Trump administration, using his social media accounts and championing a ballot measure that would boost the party's House seats in as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. This move has drawn criticism from adversaries.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor shows no concern about the state's residents in a recent segment on Fox News. Duffy revealed intentions to cut federal funds from the state and warned revoking the power to issue trucking licenses.

"I intend to cut $160 million from the state," Duffy declared, following a this week's deadly accident in California involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that led to fatalities and injured individuals.

His administration highlighted that the federal government had approved the worker's status repeatedly, which permitted him to receive a trucking license under U.S. law.

Duffy had earlier stated he was blocking $40 million from California for ignoring linguistic standards for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Administration

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, fails to grasp U.S. regulations," the governor's team responded in a recent comment addressing the funding warnings. "Meanwhile, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: California commercial driver's license holders had a death rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the sole state with more commercial holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Statistics are clear. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Future Prospects

A recently conducted poll found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate said that Newsom should run for president in 2028. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has grown to an mean of 33.5% from around 30%, while his negative ratings has decreased from an average of previous highs to 38.4%.

Earlier this year, Newsom remarked while traveling several battleground states that he had "no idea" about his plans for 2028.

He noted his earlier challenges, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of five.

"The notion that a individual who got 960 on his SAT, who continues to find reading challenging, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, extraordinary," he commented. "No one can say? I am eager to see who presents themselves in 2028 and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the American people."