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Gavin Newsom, a well-known member of the Democratic party, has revealed that he will decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," the governor stated when pressed about seriously considering a presidential run post the 2026 midterms. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

The governor's tenure as California's leader wraps up in January 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he noted that any determination is not imminent.

"Fate will determine that," he added.

Growing Prominence as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has emerged as a prominent critic of the former president's team, leveraging his social media accounts and advocating for a ballot measure that would increase the party's House seats in following Republican redistricting efforts. This move has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor is indifferent about the state's residents in a recent interview on Fox News. The secretary disclosed a strategy to withhold government money from the state and threatened suspending the power to provide CDLs.

"I intend to cut $160m from the state," Duffy stated, in the wake of a this week's tragic collision in the state involving an non-citizen trucker that led to fatalities and injured individuals.

Newsom's office noted that the national authorities had reauthorized the worker's status repeatedly, which permitted him to receive a trucking license under national regulations.

Duffy had earlier indicated he was withholding $40 million from California for ignoring English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"One-time television figure, now transportation chief, continues to misunderstand U.S. regulations," his administration said in a last month's statement countering Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, unlike this clown, we focus on reality: The state's CDL holders had a fatal crash rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Facts don't lie. The Trump administration does."

Voter Sentiment and Future Prospects

A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and 48% of all registered voters believed that the governor ought to campaign for president in the next election cycle. After the current administration began, Newsom's favorability has risen to an typical level of 33.5% from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an average of over 40% to current figures.

In previous months, Newsom stated while traveling several key regions that he had "uncertainty" about his plans for 2028.

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

"The thought 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, by itself, extraordinary," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I await who steps forward in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that's the question for the American people."