Gavin Newsom Book Tour in New Hampshire
California Governor Gavin Newsom will be in New Hampshire next month as part of his book tour. New Hampshire, known for holding the first presidential primary for nearly a century, is set to host the governor at the Portsmouth Music Hall on March 5th, where he will promote his new book, “Youth in a Hurry.”
This event is likely to stir conversations about Newsom’s aspirations on the national stage, particularly regarding his ambitions to possibly succeed Donald Trump for the 2028 Democratic nomination.
Over the past year, Newsom’s profile within the Democratic Party has surged, primarily due to a notable backlash against Trump. His bold presence on social media and his successful opposition to Republican redistricting efforts in California have garnered attention.
As the race for the 2028 White House gears up, Newsom has been recognized as a significant contender. Notably, he met with party leaders during the Democratic National Committee’s winter meetings in Los Angeles and was treated as a key figure, engaging with chairmen from New Hampshire and Nevada—both vital early voting states.
“We had great discussions about various topics,” remarked Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.
2028 Predictions and Campaign Dynamics
Newsom has hinted at a potential presidential run, stating in a CBS News interview that he would “seriously consider” it following the 2026 midterms. He admitted that it would be dishonest to claim he wasn’t considering this option.
He is among several Democrats eyeing the 2028 candidacy, many of whom are making rounds in New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina—states that hosted key primaries during the 2024 cycle. Last summer, Newsom also visited South Carolina.
A New Hampshire-based Democratic strategist noted that local activists have been receiving frequent fundraising communications from various candidates. “Every week, I get a dozen emails,” they shared.
Engagement with New Hampshire Activists
According to Kathy Sullivan, a former chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, “Successful candidates start early and really engage with the activists here. They get to understand the local issues.” She believes these early visits signal the seriousness with which candidates approach the primary process.
Newsom’s prior trip to New Hampshire in July 2024 involved supporting then-President Joe Biden, particularly after Biden’s challenging debate against Trump. During that time, Newsom was a prominent surrogate for Biden and later for Kamala Harris, who would run in Biden’s stead in 2028.
Harris is also exploring a possible presidential run. Among other notable Democrats in the mix are Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Senators Cory Booker, Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly, and Chris Murphy, alongside progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna, all appear to be potential candidates, as do moderate Democrats Pete Buttigieg and Rahm Emanuel.
