Tensions Rise Between Newsom and Harris Ahead of 2028 Presidential Race

Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, two prominent Democrats from San Francisco, might project camaraderie in public, but behind the scenes, competition is heating up as they both eye the 2028 presidential election.

As one adviser put it, the situation resembles “murder-suicide,” with trivial disputes over book sales and personal grudges simmering beneath the surface. These tensions, some of which stem from Harris’ choice to skip the California gubernatorial race, could become more pronounced as both politicians potentially enter the presidential race.

Polls place both candidates at the forefront of the Democratic field. This could mark the first time they face off since their early careers in San Francisco over twenty years ago. Garry South, a Democratic strategist familiar with the pair, noted, “Politically speaking, they were like two cats circling each other in an alley for years.”

A rivalry flared up after they released memoirs in close succession. Reports suggest that both candidates are keeping a close eye on each other’s book sales; Harris’ book, “107 Days,” reportedly sold around 385,000 copies since its release, while Newsom’s “Youth in a Hurry” has sold more than 100,000 copies since February.

An ally of Newsom conveyed that he felt “disappointed” and “very hurt” after Harris mentioned in her memoir that he had snubbed her when she sought support following Joe Biden’s exit from the presidential race. It seems Newsom had texted her, saying, “I’m hiking. I’ll call you back.”

The California governor believes that Harris made him appear foolish when he energetically introduced her at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Tensions grew further when Harris opted out of the governor’s race, which many Democrats thought she would easily win, while hinting at another presidential run.

A source close to Newsom remarked, “She knew he was running for president,” adding that Newsom had hoped Harris would consider running for governor instead.

While Harris mentioned she “may” run for the presidency in April, Newsom indicated she might wait until after the November midterms to decide.

Willie Brown, the former mayor of San Francisco who played a crucial role in launching both their careers in the 1990s, still has opinions about the 2028 race. He appointed Newsom to the Board of Supervisors in 1997 and briefly dated Harris, aiding her rise to district attorney.

Brown seemed to indicate who he thinks has the best shot for the presidency. He remarked, “[Harris’] failure after running on the Biden ticket was a disaster,” adding that her memoir doesn’t help her situation.

A source close to Harris maintained that she regarded Newsom’s comments in “107 Days” as straightforward facts rather than attacks. “She didn’t edit anything that was said that day,” the source noted. Yet, as the dynamics shift, there’s an acknowledgment that people have varied reactions to the revelations in her book.

Supporters of Newsom were less forgiving, calling Harris “vindictive,” a trait they trace back to her tenure as district attorney during his time as mayor. One source commented, “She’s the kind of person who will still stick a pin in your ass if she doesn’t like you.”