By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During an interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged his consideration of a 2028 presidential bid but emphasized his focus on the upcoming midterm elections. Newsom’s comments followed his recent visit to South Carolina and highlighted the importance of his brand on a national stage. While expressing openness to a future run, he also acknowledged potential challenges, including a crowded Democratic primary and a likely conservative opponent. Newsom’s current political strategy involves challenging Republican efforts in redistricting, particularly in response to the actions of the Republican president and his allies.
Read the original article here
Gavin Newsom won’t rule out running for president in 2028, but first things first: the midterms. That’s the vibe, right? It’s practically a given he’s eyeing a White House run, and who could blame him? He’s a visible player, and everyone knows a lot can happen in the next few years. Focusing on the upcoming elections is strategic, but the whispers of a presidential campaign are definitely in the air.
It’s clear that many see Newsom as a potential contender. Some are already placing their bets, saying he’s been gearing up for a while. The sentiment is that he’s got a certain “take no prisoners” attitude that could resonate with voters, especially against the backdrop of current political divisions. The “Fuck MAGA” message is popular.
Of course, the road to 2028 isn’t paved with gold. There are definitely reservations. Concerns about his policies and his willingness to cater to certain interests are bubbling up, with some questioning his commitment to progressive ideals. Some see him as another corporatist, and an opportunist, and that he may pander too much to the donor class. They want someone who’s actually on the left.
The field is wide open, and others are gaining traction. Pritzker, Beshear, and AOC are all mentioned as possible candidates. It’s still early, though, and many believe there’s a need for a candidate who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, offering solutions for housing, healthcare, and labor rights. The next president needs to focus on a real sweeping change.
The early positioning of candidates like Newsom is a natural part of the political game. Some feel that Newsom has been a 2028 contender since the previous year. He is a clear front runner, with his name being the most talked about for a reason.
Whether Newsom or someone else will be the one to go up against the GOP is anyone’s guess, but the emphasis is on a candidate who can be a voice for the average American and can address issues of affordability, healthcare, and workers’ rights. The best option is to keep the other side on their heels.
There are many who think that Newsom, or any potential candidate, will need to be ready to fight now. It’s a call for action, for someone who’s not waiting for the perfect moment but is already actively involved in the political battles of the present.
That said, the midterms do come first. There’s a lot on the line, and the success of the Democrats in the upcoming elections could significantly impact the political landscape. The focus is on ensuring a Democratic victory, as it could have a chance to survive the next four years.
And then there’s the long game. The next election is years away, and anything can happen. The political world is always shifting, and the best candidate might not even be on the radar yet. In the meantime, the current crop of potential candidates is doing what they can to get noticed.