Full Breakdown
Gavin Newsom Says He Won’t Run for President in 2028 If Kamala Harris Enters the Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Announcement
In a September 2026 interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that he would not launch a 2028 presidential campaign should former Vice President Kamala Harris decide to run. Newsom framed a potential contest between the two California Democrats as “mutual-assured destruction” that would benefit opponents and waste voters’ time. He emphasized the extensive overlap of their supporters, describing it as a “pure crossover” that would split the Democratic base.
Background & Context
Newsom and Harris have risen through parallel political tracks since the early 2000s, each holding statewide office in California before moving onto the national stage. Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee, has hinted at a possible third presidential bid but has not confirmed a decision. The 2028 Democratic primary will open with South Carolina as the first voting state, a factor that could advantage Harris among Black voters. Both figures have been discussed as leading contenders, and their simultaneous candidacies would likely force a division of donors, campaign staff, and voter coalitions within the party.
Data & Statistics
- A RealClearPolitics average of recent polls shows Harris leading Newsom by double digits.
- Polymarket betting odds reported by Fox News list Harris at 8 % and Newsom at 12.7 %.
- A separate Polymarket snapshot cited by the New York Post places Newsom’s odds at 7 % and Harris at 8 %.
These figures illustrate that, while Harris enjoys a polling edge, Newsom remains a viable contender in market-based projections.
Official Statements & Responses
- He also noted that the “Venn diagram” of their supporters is “just pure crossover.”
- Kamala Harris: Her office declined to comment on Newsom’s remarks. Harris herself has said she is focused on the 2026 midterms and has not made a final decision about a 2028 run.
- California donors: Several donors told the Los Angeles Times in May that they would not support Harris, while others expressed more enthusiasm for Newsom, indicating a donor landscape that could shift depending on each candidate’s decision.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Polling data differ slightly: the RealClearPolitics average shows a double-digit lead for Harris, whereas Fox News cites a narrower gap in its RealClearPolitics snapshot.
- Harris’s candidacy status remains uncertain; she has not publicly confirmed a 2028 bid, leaving the “if she runs” condition unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wouldn’t run if she ran.” — California Gov. Gavin Newsom
- “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.” — California Gov. Gavin Newsom
- “I know her base of supporters, I know her friends. The [Venn] diagram on that is just pure crossover,” — California Gov. Gavin Newsom
- “First of all, electorally, it’s a gift from God for everybody else,” — California Gov. Gavin Newsom