Gavin Newsom Rules Out 2028 Presidential Run If Kamala Harris Enters Race
California Governor Gavin Newsom told CNN he will not run for president in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to enter the race, avoiding a primary clash.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he will not run for president in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to enter the race. Newsom made the surprise revelation during an interview with CNN, noting that splitting the progressive California voter base would ultimately benefit their opponents.
The 2028 Democratic Primaries
For over a year, Newsom has been laying the groundwork for a potential presidential campaign. However, facing a likely primary showdown with Harris—who shares a very similar political background and voter base in California—the governor decided to step aside should she choose to run.
"I don't know if she's going to run, but we'll see. I wouldn't run if she were to run," Newsom told CNN anchor Jake Tapper. "Why would I do that? I wouldn't do that to her. I wouldn't do that to myself."
Future Political Plans
Both Newsom and Harris have indicated that they will make definitive decisions regarding their 2028 presidential aspirations following the upcoming midterm elections in November.
