Gavin Newsom Hints at 2028 Presidential Run
California Governor Gavin Newsom made a significant statement at the South by Southwest Conference and Festival, suggesting he might run for president in 2028, but only if the Democrats regain control of the House in the 2026 midterms.
“We have to take back the House in 2026. Nothing else matters,” Newsom expressed during his appearance. When he was asked about a potential “second date” with supporters at the polls for 2028, he mentioned the efforts needed to win that chair, highlighting a desire to see [Hakeem] Jeffries take the gavel. “Then you and I can go on a second date,” he added, which elicited enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
This remark sparked immediate speculation about Newsom’s aspirations on the national stage.
The comments were made during a live taping of financial influencer Vivian Tu’s podcast, Networth and Chill, which featured a playful “first date” theme.
Newsom took the opportunity to promote his new book, “Youth in a Hurry,” while also addressing his views on former President Donald Trump, labeling him as an “alien species.” He warned that the integrity of the upcoming elections could be at risk.
“If we don’t take back the House, I don’t believe we’ll have fair and free elections as we know them in 2028,” he cautioned the crowd. He also hinted at the challenges of Democratic turnout in the recent Texas primary, noting Texas state Rep. James Talarico’s win in the Senate nomination and strong Democratic presence in areas that had previously supported Trump.
Newsom framed these outcomes as a model for Democrats nationwide.
He criticized Texas’ tax system as “the most regressive taxes in the country,” suggesting that middle-class Texans end up paying more than those in California, a claim that was met with some audible disapproval from locals.
Despite his critiques, Newsom acknowledged California’s own shortcomings, admitting that the state’s housing crisis is largely due to decades of resistance to new developments. He emphasized that addressing this issue remains a top priority for him.
