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Gavin Newsom, a well-known Democratic figure, has revealed that he plans to make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 once the 2026 congressional elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful otherwise," the governor commented when pressed about contemplating a White House bid after the 2026 ballots. "That wouldn't be honest. And I'm not."

The governor's tenure as governor ends in early 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. But, he emphasized that any determination is a long way off.

"Fate will determine that," he remarked.

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

The California governor has come to the forefront as a notable opponent of the Trump administration, using his social media accounts and pushing a initiative that would boost Democratic congressional seats in as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. This strategy has invited attacks from adversaries.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor is indifferent about Californians in a weekend segment on Fox News. The secretary disclosed intentions to withhold government money from the state and warned eliminating the authority to issue CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from the state," Duffy declared, in the wake of a this week's fatal crash in California involving an unauthorized trucker that led to three deaths and four injuries.

Newsom's office pointed out that the U.S. government had reauthorized the driver's employment multiple times, which permitted him to secure a commercial driver's license under federal law.

Duffy had previously announced he was withholding $40 million from California for not enforcing English language requirements for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Governor's Office

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, fails to grasp U.S. regulations," the governor's team said in a last month's comment countering Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we rely on data: California truck drivers had a fatal crash rate much lower than the U.S. average. Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Statistics are clear. The Trump administration does."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A recent study found that a majority of the party and almost half of voters said that the governor ought to campaign for the White House in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has risen to an typical level of about one-third from previous levels, while his unfavorability has dropped from an average of previous highs to 38.4%.

Earlier this year, Newsom commented while traveling several battleground states that he had "uncertainty" about his intentions for 2028.

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

"The notion that a individual 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, by itself, amazing," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who presents themselves in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the American people."