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The California governor, a leading member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he will determine whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 once the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Yes, I would be lying if I denied it," Newsom remarked when asked about contemplating a White House bid post the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

The governor's current term as California's leader concludes in early 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. But, he emphasized that any choice is still years away.

"The future will decide," he remarked.

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

Newsom has stepped forward as a notable critic of the current federal leadership, leveraging his online platforms and advocating for a ballot measure that would expand the party's House seats in following Republican redistricting efforts. This move has made him a target from critics.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom is indifferent about Californians in a Sunday appearance on a major news network. The secretary announced intentions to cut government money from California and threatened revoking the power to provide trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160 million from California," he declared, after a recent fatal crash in California involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that resulted in fatalities and casualties.

His administration pointed out that the U.S. government had approved the individual's authorization on several occasions, which permitted him to receive a trucking license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had earlier indicated he was holding back $40 million from California for failing to implement English language requirements for truck drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Governor's Office

"One-time television figure, now Secretary of Transportation, fails to grasp U.S. regulations," Newsom's office said in a previous comment addressing the funding warnings. "In the meantime, unlike this clown, we rely on data: The state's truck drivers had a death rate much lower than the national average. Texas – the sole state with more commercial holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Facts don't lie. The Trump administration does."

Polling Data and Campaign Considerations

A this month's poll showed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and 48% of all registered voters indicated that Newsom must consider running for president in the next election cycle. In recent years, public support for the governor has increased to an average of 33.5% from around 30%, while his unfavorability has dropped from an typical level of more than 40% to under 40%.

In previous months, the governor commented while traveling several key regions that he had "no clue" about his intentions for the next presidential election.

He noted his earlier challenges, including being found to have a learning disability at the age of five.

"The idea that a guy who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was typically not at the front – the fact that this is even suggested is, in and of itself, amazing," he stated. "Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who presents themselves in the next election and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the voters."