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The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has indicated that he will decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Yes, I would be lying if I said no," the governor commented when questioned about contemplating a White House bid following the 2026 midterms. "I'd just be lying. And I can't do that."

The governor's time in office as governor concludes in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. But, he cautioned that any choice is not imminent.

"It's up to destiny," he remarked.

Rising Profile as a Administration Opponent

He has emerged as a high-profile opponent of the current federal leadership, leveraging his online platforms and championing a ballot measure that would boost Democratic representation in Congress in following GOP gerrymandering. This action has drawn criticism from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday interview on Fox News. Duffy revealed plans to withhold federal funds from California and threatened suspending the authority to provide trucking licenses.

"I'm about to pull $160m from the state," he stated, after a recent fatal crash in the state involving an unauthorized trucker that resulted in three deaths and casualties.

His administration highlighted that the federal government had reauthorized the individual's authorization on several occasions, which enabled him to receive a CDL under federal law.

Duffy had earlier stated he was holding back additional funds from the state for not enforcing English language requirements for CDL holders.

Pointed Reply from the Administration

"Ex-reality TV personality, now transportation chief, fails to grasp national statutes," Newsom's office responded in a previous statement addressing the secretary's comments. "For now, unlike this clown, we'll stick to the facts: California CDL holders had a fatal crash rate significantly lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Data speaks for itself. The federal leadership misleads."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A recent study revealed that a majority of the party and a significant portion of the electorate believed that Newsom should run for the White House in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has increased to an average of about one-third from around 30%, while his unfavorability has dropped from an typical level of over 40% to current figures.

Earlier this year, the governor commented while on a trip several swing states that he had "uncertainty" about his intentions for 2028.

He mentioned his personal struggles, including being found to have a learning disability at the early childhood.

"The notion that a individual who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was typically not at the front – that such a possibility is discussed is, in and of itself, amazing," he commented. "Who the hell knows? I am eager to see who steps forward in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the U.S. citizens."