Gavin Newsom on Possible 2028 Presidential Run and Kamala Harris

Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated he will not pursue a presidential run in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to enter the race. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Newsom stated, “I don’t know if she runs, but we’ll see. But I wouldn’t run if she ran.” This conversation was part of an interview released on Monday.

Tapper expressed surprise at Newsom’s stance, asking, “If she runs, you will not?” Newsom confirmed, “Of course not. Why would I? I wouldn’t do that to her … I wouldn’t do that to you. I wouldn’t waste everyone’s time. Who needs that?”

This interview was unique as Tapper was fly-fishing with Newsom in Montana during their discussion. The conversation touched on potential competition among Democrats, with Newsom suggesting it could lead to “mutual-assured destruction” if too many candidates enter the race.

Tapper proposed a different viewpoint, noting that Harris has previously run while Newsom has not. He suggested that Newsom could argue he deserves a chance. Newsom replied, “I mean, that’d be the approach to the campaign, certainly. That’d be the case you’d make. Pretty good one, actually. That’s objectively true.”

Throughout the current political cycle, Newsom has shown support for Kamala Harris. Recent political activities indicate Harris may still have substantial backing. According to the RealClearPolitics average of polls, she leads Newsom by a 24.5-13.5% margin among Democratic contenders.

Other potential candidates gaining attention alongside Newsom include former Biden Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, all within a five-point range of Newsom’s support. Notably, Ocasio-Cortez currently leads the Polymarket betting odds with over 19%. Ossoff stands at 16%, Newsom at 12.7%, and Harris trails with 8% odds.