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Gavin Newsom, a well-known Democratic figure, has disclosed that he intends to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 once the 2026 midterm elections are over.

"Yeah, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," Newsom stated when asked about contemplating a presidential run following the 2026 ballots. "That wouldn't be honest. And I'm not."

Newsom's tenure as governor wraps up in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. However, he emphasized that any decision is still years away.

"The future will decide," he said.

Increased Visibility as a Trump Critic

He has stepped forward as a notable opponent of the Trump administration, employing his online platforms and pushing a initiative that would increase Democratic House seats in response to redistricting by Republicans. This move has invited attacks from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor is indifferent about Californians in a recent interview on Fox News. The secretary revealed intentions to cut government money from California and warned eliminating the authority to provide CDLs.

"I'm about to pull a significant sum from the state," Duffy declared, after a this week's deadly accident in California involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that led to three deaths and four injuries.

His administration pointed out that the federal government had approved the worker's status on several occasions, which permitted him to secure a CDL under national regulations.

Duffy had before indicated he was withholding $40 million from the state for failing to implement linguistic standards for commercial drivers.

Pointed Reply from the Governor's Office

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, fails to grasp federal law," Newsom's office retorted in a recent release addressing Duffy's threats. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: California truck drivers had a accident mortality rate nearly 40% lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Data speaks for itself. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A recently conducted study found that a majority of the party and 48% of all registered voters indicated that Newsom should run for the White House in the next election cycle. After the current administration began, his approval ratings has grown to an typical level of about one-third from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has fallen from an mean of previous highs to under 40%.

In previous months, Newsom remarked while traveling several key regions that he had "uncertainty" about his plans for the next presidential election.

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

"The notion that a guy who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was typically not at the front – the fact that this is even suggested is, alone, amazing," he commented. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who presents themselves in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that's the question for the voters."