Gavin Newsom Acknowledges Shift in Presidential Ambitions After Years of Denial

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously dismissed presidential ambitions, is now considering a possible run. His recent comments reflect a shift in tone, coinciding with tensions in L.A. due to Trump’s actions. Public perception suggests many believe Newsom is campaigning rather than focusing on state governance. His evolving responses hint that he might be laying the groundwork for a future candidacy in 2028.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has always denied having any presidential aspirations, is starting to entertain the notion as a possibility. His recent comments indicate a shift in attitude, moving from adamant rejection to a more open approach. In a Wall Street Journal profile, he noted he’s not actively pursuing the presidency but hinted at being open to it if the moment felt right. “I’m not thinking about running, but it’s a path that I could see unfold,” he remarked.

This change in Newsom’s narrative coincides with rising tensions in Los Angeles, where President Trump deployed military troops to handle protests linked to immigration policies. In response, Newsom has asserted his position as a leader against what he describes as Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. He’s been vocal in the media, criticizing the president while also legal action aimed at blocking troop deployments in California.

On a recent CNN appearance, he emphasized the broader implications of the situation, stating, “This is about all of us. This is about you. It’s time for all of us to stand up.” Public opinion seems to scrutinize Newsom’s focus, with a recent poll revealing that many Californians believe he’s more interested in a presidential run than addressing state issues and challenges.

Political analyst Larry Sabato pointed out that successfully reprising his role on a national stage might alter how voters across the nation perceive Newsom. With his recent engagement capturing the prevailing frustration over Trump’s presidency, some skeptics may reconsider Newsom’s potential future in politics. “He saw the danger to the American republic. It was a home run,” Sabato commented.

Despite his decade-long denial of presidential intentions, there’s been speculation surrounding Newsom ever since he took office. His family humorously alluded to it in his college yearbook, but until recently, he firmly dismissed any possibility of a presidential run, citing stress as a reason to avoid it.

After successfully fending off a recall in 2021, he responded to interview inquiries with a firm “no, no, no” on presidential ambitions, insisting there was no way he would consider it. Yet, amid the shifting political landscape, he has instead grown a national profile, advocating for fellow Democrats and engaging in high-profile debates, particularly with Republican leaders like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Last summer, reports indicated that Newsom was in touch with campaign operatives regarding a potential presidential run in the event Biden stepped aside. His team hasn’t made any moves to clarify his new stance, and recent statements suggest an evolving political strategy. In early May, during a podcast, he expressed that his decision on whether he’d run was yet to be determined, indicating openness to it.

Finally, even on his podcast, when pressed about potential 2028 candidacy, Newsom did not deny it. Public expectations may shift if Newsom officially decides to pursue the presidency, as many already suspect he might run. Sabato summed it up by saying that as a governor of California, there’s a prevailing assumption you’re gearing up for a presidential bid. Hypocrisy in politics appears to be secondary for voters now, especially following Trump’s precedent, with public sentiment more focused on leadership than past remarks.

Original Source: calmatters.org