Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Newsom Says He Won’t Challenge Harris in 2028
Gavin Newsom is thinking about running for president in 2028.
Kamala Harris is also considering a run.
Newsom said he would not compete against Harris if she decides to run.
He believes that kind of fight could hurt both Democrats and help Republicans.
Newsom said he was not ready to challenge Joe Biden in 2024.
He also said he did not previously have a strong enough reason to run.
His wife and children would help decide whether he enters the race.
Harris has said she is thinking about running in 2028.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he would not run against Kamala Harris if she seeks the 2028 Democratic nomination.
Newsom called a Harris-Newsom contest mutually destructive and said it would benefit Republicans more than Democrats.
He did not rule out running for president, saying he is still considering the process.
Newsom said his wife and school-aged children would have a say in any decision to run.
Harris said in April that she is “thinking” about a 2028 presidential campaign.
- Who
- California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris are the central figures.
- What
- Newsom said he would not run against Harris for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination if she enters the race, while leaving open his own presidential bid.
- When
- The comments were made as the 2026 midterm elections approach and preparations begin for the 2028 presidential election; the midterms are scheduled for November 3.
- Where
- The comments were made in a CNN interview; Newsom is the governor of California.
- Why
- Newsom said a contest between him and Harris would be mutually destructive, could benefit Republicans, and would divide their overlapping support base.
Newsom-Harris Democratic Contest
Avoiding a Democratic Contest
Whether Newsom should challenge Harris
Newsom-Harris Democratic Contest
A contest could give Democratic voters a choice between two prominent potential candidates, and Newsom acknowledged there is a strong case for such a race.
Avoiding a Democratic Contest
Newsom said he would not put Harris or himself through the contest because it could become mutually destructive and benefit Republicans.
Newsom’s presidential ambitions
Newsom-Harris Democratic Contest
Newsom has been considering a presidential run, has indicated interest publicly, and has worked to build a national profile.
Avoiding a Democratic Contest
Newsom has not committed to running and said his family’s views and whether he finds a strong reason to campaign will affect his decision.
- Potential election
- 2028 United States presidential election
- Newsom’s position
- He said he would not challenge Kamala Harris if she runs.
- Harris’s position
- Harris said in April that she is “thinking” about a 2028 run.
- Newsom’s current status
- He is considering a presidential campaign but has not announced one.
- Family’s role
- Newsom said his wife and school-aged children would have a say in his decision.
- Term limits
- Newsom cannot seek another term as California governor because of term limits.
- National activity
- He has been expanding his national presence, including a visit to North Carolina ahead of the midterms.