California Governor Gavin Newsom has signaled that he will step aside for Kamala Harris should she choose to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper during a fly-fishing trip in Montana, Newsom explicitly stated that he would not enter the race if the former vice president decides to run again. He framed the decision as a matter of practicality and respect, suggesting that running against her would simply be a waste of everyone’s time.
The governor seemed particularly concerned about the internal friction such a contest would create within their shared political networks. Noting that there is almost total overlap between his supporters and those of Harris, Newsom argued that a primary battle between two high-profile Californians would likely split the vote and serve as a gift to other candidates in what is expected to be a crowded field. By deferring to Harris, he aims to avoid a messy confrontation over donor bases and party loyalty.
While Harris remains the presumptive front-runner in several polls, her path back to the presidency following her 2024 loss is not without uncertainty. Someparty insiders have questioned whether voters are ready for another bid from her, while others have shown quiet enthusiasm for Newsom’s leadership style. Despite these undercurrents, Harris has remained coy about her plans, recently stating she is focusing on midterm victories rather than her own ambitions.
This development marks a significant shift in the perceived rivalry between two figures who have long operated in parallel within the Democratic establishment. Although Newsom recently visited South Carolina to build ties in a critical early primary state, he admitted to Tapper that Harris has a strong case for returning since she has already attempted the climb to the top while he hasn’t. Ultimately, Newsom emphasized that any candidate must honestly assess if they truly represent the current zeitgeist before deciding to run.