Gavin Newsom rules out 2028 presidential campaign if Kamala Harris runs

Interview in Montana

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that he will not enter the 2028 presidential race if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to seek the Democratic nomination. Newsom made the remarks to CNN anchor Jake Tapper during a recorded fly-fishing trip in Montana. When asked about a potential run against Harris in the upcoming primary cycle, the 58-year-old governor rejected the prospect of a direct contest between the two California Democrats.

“I don't know if she runs, but we'll see. I wouldn't run if she ran.”

Electoral calculus and donor crossover

Newsom explained that a competitive primary battle against Harris would disadvantage the Democratic Party and benefit Republican opponents. He described such a primary matchup as mutually destructive, pointing to their shared political geography and overlapping networks of donors and supporters. Newsom previously told Chuck Todd in 2023 that a contest between them would not happen, and he reiterated that dividing their shared constituency offers no political advantage.

“Electorally it's a gift from God for everybody else. They'd enjoy the hell out of it. Mutual assured destruction. It services no greater good. Why would I do this if I wasn't trying to serve some greater good? There would be no upside whatsoever.”

Newsom also addressed his decision not to enter the 2024 presidential race after President Joe Biden withdrew. He noted that he lacked a clear rationale at the time and would have suffered a severe defeat.

Parallel careers in California

The political trajectories of Newsom and Harris have intersected for over two decades, beginning in 2004 when Newsom took office as Mayor of San Francisco and Harris became the city's district attorney. Harris subsequently won election as California Attorney General, entered the US Senate, and served as vice president under Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025 before losing the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump. Newsom served as lieutenant governor before winning two terms as California governor, a tenure concluding in January because of term limits.

The relationship between the two figures has experienced occasional tension. In her autobiography, Harris stated that Newsom failed to return a telephone call after Biden ended his 2024 campaign. Addressing the dynamic between them, Newsom spokesman Bob Salladay dismissed suggestions of tactical maneuvering.

“They've been friends long enough that they wouldn't play cat-and-mouse games on something this important.”

Positioning for the 2028 primary

Both Democrats have taken steps to maintain their national standing ahead of the 2028 campaign. Harris indicated in April that she is considering another presidential campaign following her 2024 defeat. Newsom, whose successor will be chosen in the California gubernatorial election on 3 November, has made two visits to South Carolina, the initial state on the Democratic primary calendar. He also launched a political podcast featuring interviews with figures across the political spectrum, including Hunter Biden and fellow Democratic governors. On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are viewed as potential 2028 contenders, as Donald Trump cannot seek a third presidential term.