California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that he will decide by early January 2027 whether to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, following months of speculation about his political future.
Speaking to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency during the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Newsom stated he would make the determination "at the beginning of the year" after consulting with family. "We’ll spend the next few weeks with the family and make a decision early January," he said.
Newsom, who will leave office in January 2027 after completing his second term, has been frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 contender. His decision comes as other high-profile Democrats, including Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), are also considered possible candidates.
Potential 2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris could influence Newsom’s plans. In a September interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Newsom said he would not run if Harris entered the race. "I don’t know if she runs, but we’ll see," he told Tapper. "But I wouldn’t run if she ran."
Newsom’s timeline follows reports that he has sought advice from former President Bill Clinton regarding a potential presidential bid. His decision will follow a period of deliberation with his family, as he weighs the political and personal implications of a White House run.
The announcement adds clarity to months of speculation about Newsom’s intentions, though he has not yet committed to a definitive course of action.