Governor Gavin Newsom's potential run for the U.S. presidency in 2028 is under increased examination. Several sources suggest his past actions and policies as governor of California present notable challenges. Furthermore, his family's perspective on a presidential campaign has been publicly shared, adding another layer to the unfolding discussion.
Context
Governor Gavin Newsom is frequently mentioned as a possible contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. His public appearances, including visits to early primary states like New Hampshire, fuel ongoing speculation. This attention comes as Newsom prepares to leave his governorship due to term limits in January 2027. He has indicated he plans to make a decision about a presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections. His approach to governance and public statements are increasingly viewed through the lens of potential national ambitions.
Key Issues Surfacing
Governance Record and Vulnerabilities
Critics point to Newsom's tenure as governor, suggesting his record creates "pressing questions about how effectively he could govern as president" and offers "an endless buffet of vulnerabilities." These concerns span social and economic issues. Specific areas of criticism include:
Broken Promises: Some accounts suggest that Newsom did not fully deliver on key campaign pledges.
Economic Performance: There is a question regarding credible claims of significant economic achievement.
California's Issues: His record in California is seen as potentially problematic, with admissions of bungled handling of illegal immigration and criticisms that schools de-emphasized academic rigor. Affordability problems in California are described as "dire."
Policy Shifts: Observations suggest a potential shift "to the center," which some view as a rebranding effort, while others interpret it as mirroring past strategies of governors like Jerry Brown, whose frequent repositioning led to suspicions about their primary focus.
Family's Hesitation
Newsom himself has alluded to his family's reservations about a presidential campaign. He acknowledged that his children's desire for him to run "depends on the day." In one instance, a son reportedly questioned the veracity of headlines suggesting a presidential run, with Newsom stating his intention to handle such matters "as a family." The son's reply, "You can't. I'm too young," was recounted, underscoring a potential family dynamic influencing his decision.
Read More: George Conway Says Trump Is Insecure and a Fraud
Political Stunts and Image
There are arguments that Newsom employs "political stunts to garner attention," which could potentially "backfire," referencing historical parallels with former Governor Jerry Brown. His approach is sometimes characterized as a "longer game" where he "refused" to focus solely on immediate issues.
Strategic Positioning
Newsom has actively positioned himself as a counterpoint to former President Donald Trump, engaging in public criticism and utilizing social media. Some see him as a potential leader for Democrats, while others view his actions as a strategy to "speak to the needs of a party desperate to regain the White House." His book, intended to address perceptions, covers his pre-gubernatorial life and personal struggles but reportedly omits details about his governorship and a future political manifesto.
Conflicting Views and Self-Perception
While some analysts suggest his record is a "problem," others note Newsom's "self-awareness" and ability to be "self-deprecating." His upbringing is described as being "between two worlds," and he has discussed acknowledged "problems with alcohol" and personal relationships, including his first marriage and an affair.
Read More: New US Dietary Guidelines 2025-2030 Face Debate on Protein and Fat Advice
Expert Analysis
Karl Rove, former White House official, states that Newsom's record provides opponents "an endless buffet of vulnerabilities across social and economic issues."
Gil Durán in The Guardian notes that Newsom "flopped" in delivering on key proposals and suggests he "regularly bows down to the powerful California interests bankrolling the very authoritarianism from which he claims he can save the nation."
Writing in The Atlantic, Marc Novicoff and Jonathan Chait observe that Newsom's "new persona as a fighting moderate… deftly speaks to the needs of a party desperate to regain the White House."
Conclusion
The evidence gathered indicates that Governor Gavin Newsom is actively navigating the landscape of a potential 2028 presidential bid. His public actions, including travel to key primary states and public statements, align with increased presidential speculation. However, significant hurdles exist, primarily centered on his gubernatorial record, which critics argue presents a broad array of vulnerabilities. Additionally, his family's reported reluctance adds a personal dimension to the considerations. The ongoing narrative suggests a strategic approach by Newsom to shape public perception, possibly through his forthcoming book, while also being subject to scrutiny regarding his past policy decisions and political maneuvering. The ultimate decision to run and the success of such a campaign appear contingent on how these identified challenges are addressed and perceived by a wider electorate.
Read More: Texas Rep Tony Gonzales Faces Ethics Probe Over Alleged Affair with Late Aide
Sources Used and Their Context:
independent.co.uk: Discusses Karl Rove's assessment of Newsom's political vulnerabilities, referencing his governorship and potential presidential run.
theguardian.com: An opinion piece by Gil Durán criticizing Newsom's performance on campaign promises and his ties to powerful interests.
newyorker.com: A profile piece suggesting Newsom plays a "longer game" and possesses masterful political skills.
dailymail.co.uk: Reports on Newsom revealing reasons he might not run for president, focusing on family considerations.
dailymail.co.uk: Reports on Newsom dropping hints about a 2028 run, emphasizing his "family man image" and family skepticism.
hoover.org: Analyzes why a Newsom presidential run might be "doomed," referencing historical political models.
foxnews.com: Notes Newsom's stops in key presidential primary states, fueling 2028 speculation.
cnn.com: Features Newsom discussing his thinking on a 2028 run, his book, and perceptions of election fairness in California.
calmatters.org: An opinion piece likening Newsom's current political strategy to Jerry Brown's past tactics, suggesting potential for backfiring.
time.com: Chronicles Newsom's political rise, including his rivalry with Donald Trump and national spotlight ambitions.
theguardian.com: Confirms Newsom is considering a 2028 presidential run and mentions criticisms from former Trump administration officials.
calmatters.org: An opinion piece arguing Newsom's autobiography might focus on struggle, overlooking his gubernatorial record and policy issues.
abcnews.go.com: Reports on a Newsom speech taking on Trump, seen as encouraging Democrats and signaling leadership potential.
theatlantic.com: Argues Newsom's record in California "would seriously compromise" a presidential message, citing immigration, education, and cultural issues.
calmatters.org: Discusses how Newsom's presidential ambitions affect his final state budget, highlighting his rejection of broad tax increases.
theintercept.com: Suggests Newsom's primary problem is himself, without detailing specific issues within the provided summary.
theatlantic.com: A feature piece describing Newsom's self-awareness and background, suggesting he is "stress-testing" his political profile.
npr.org: Reports on observations of Newsom shifting to the center politically, ahead of a possible presidential run.
