Gavin Newsom drops biggest hint yet he’s going to run for president
California Governor Gavin Newsom made waves at the South by Southwest Conference in Austin on Sunday with a bold hint about his political future. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Newsom suggested he might pursue the presidency in 2028—but only if Democrats reclaim the House in the 2026 midterms.
“Nothing else matters if we don’t take back the House of Representatives in 2026,” Newsom declared. When asked about the possibility of a 2028 run, he said, “The work between now and then to get Speaker Hakeem Jeffries that gavel is key. If we can do that? Then a second date in 2028 is possible.” The remark drew cheers and immediately sparked speculation about Newsom’s national ambitions.
The comments came during a live taping with finance influencer Vivian Tu on her podcast “Networth and Chill,” which uses a playful “first date” format. Newsom used the opportunity not only to tease his political plans but also to promote his new book, Young Man in a Hurry.
He also launched a pointed critique of President Donald Trump, labeling him an “invasive species” and warning that the integrity of future elections could be at risk. “I do not believe we will have a fair and free election as we know it in 2028 if we don’t take back the House,” Newsom said.
Newsom highlighted recent Democratic successes in Texas as evidence of a winning strategy. He cited state Rep. James Talarico’s Senate nomination victory and strong Democratic turnout in counties that had previously supported Trump, presenting these results as a model for the party nationwide.
The governor also criticized Texas’ tax system, calling it “the most regressive in the country” and arguing that middle-class Texans often pay more than Californians—a claim that drew groans from some in the audience. At the same time, he acknowledged California’s own challenges, including a housing crisis fueled by decades of “NIMBY” opposition to development, and said addressing this problem remains a top priority.
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