In a surprising turn of events, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, who had long dismissed any interest in pursuing the presidency, is now hinting at a potential run for the White House.
In recent interviews, Newsom stated that he is not currently focused on a presidential bid but is open to the possibility if the moment feels right.
This shift follows a spike in media attention surrounding Newsom as he takes a vocal stand against President Donald Trump’s recent military deployments to Los Angeles aimed at managing unrest over immigration enforcement.
Newsom has responded with an aggressive campaign, publicly opposing the president’s actions and branding them as authoritarian. He has initiated legal action to stop the troop deployments, actively engaged with media outlets, and positioned himself as a critical leader for resistance against the current administration.
“Other states are next,” Newsom declared during a televised address on CNN last week. He called on Americans to rally together to defend democracy, emphasizing, “This is about all of us. This is about you.”
Public sentiment seems to reflect this rising profile; a recent poll revealed that over half of California voters suspect Newsom is more invested in his presidential prospects than his gubernatorial duties.
Political experts believe this could be an essential time for Newsom to broaden his appeal beyond California.
Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, noted that Newsom’s strong stance against Trump’s policies may have resonated with more voters, positioning him as a viable national leader rather than just a governor recognized for his appearance.
Sabato remarked, “He saw the danger to the American republic. It was a home run.”
Speculation around Newsom’s presidential ambitions has been a long-standing narrative throughout his political career. His family even teased about this ambition in a congratulatory message within his college yearbook.
In contrast to his previous firm denials of any presidential aspirations, Newsom’s recent comments indicate an openness to the idea that was absent a few years ago.
Following his successful recall election in 2021, he emphatically stated he had never considered a presidential run and expressed disdain for the stress that such a position would require. During his re-election campaign, he reiterated his lack of interest in being commander in chief, stating it was not even on his radar.
As the Democratic Party faced uncertainty over President Joe Biden’s candidacy last summer, Newsom remained a steadfast supporter of the president, consistently brushing off any questions about his own ambitions. However, his recent actions and comments suggest he may be reconsidering that stance.
The governor’s trajectory has undeniably shifted as his visibility grew due to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has actively curated a higher national profile since then, using various tactics such as endorsing candidates nationwide, proposing significant legislation on gun control, and debating prominent Republicans like Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis.
Reports suggest that Newsom even reached out to campaign operatives last summer to discuss potential opportunities if Biden chose not to run.
While Newsom’s representatives have not commented on his recent tone shift or whether it signals a strategic move, the change is clear. Early this month, he expressed to a podcast audience that his future political trajectory is yet to be determined, illustrating a more flexible mindset than his previous adamancy.
On his podcast, guest Dr. Phil pressed him about the 2028 presidential race, to which Newsom left the door open, stating, “You’re not ruling anything out about your future either, so we’ll leave it at that.”
If Newsom ultimately decides to declare his candidacy, experts suggest that voters are likely to overlook his previous denials about running for president.
Sabato observed, “If you’re governor of California, the assumption is that you’re running for president.”
Furthermore, it seems the political landscape has changed so dramatically that broken promises may matter less than they once did, especially in light of the current political climate.
Sabato pointed out, “The one thing that Trump has done for everyone is eliminate the issue of hypocrisy.”
With many Americans now watching closely, Gavin Newsom’s political journey and potential trajectory towards a presidential bid will be a key narrative to follow leading into the next election cycle.
image source from：https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/06/california-newson-possible-presidential/
