California Gov. Gavin Newsom has made one thing clear about a possible 2028 presidential run: he would not enter the Democratic primary if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run.
Newsom made the comments during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, saying he would not want to run against Harris because the two would likely draw support from many of the same Democratic voters. “I wouldn’t run if she ran,” Newsom said.
Newsom argued that a primary fight between the two California Democrats could end up helping other candidates. He described the situation as “mutual assured destruction” and said there would be little benefit to splitting their shared base of supporters.
The comments are notable because Newsom is widely viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. He has recently traveled to states such as South Carolina and Michigan, moves that have fueled speculation about a possible White House campaign.
Harris is also being discussed as a possible 2028 candidate. She and Newsom have both built long political careers in California, and their overlapping networks and voter bases could make a head-to-head primary particularly complicated.
Newsom has previously shown support for Harris. After President Joe Biden ended his 2024 reelection campaign, Newsom endorsed Harris and said he believed she was the candidate best positioned to take on Donald Trump.
At the same time, Newsom has not ruled out running for president himself. During the latest interview, he said a potential candidate needs to decide whether they genuinely “meet the moment” before entering a race. His remarks suggest that the identity of the other candidates will play an important role in his eventual decision.
For now, Newsom and Harris remain potential figures in the early stages of the 2028 Democratic contest. Newsom’s latest comments, however, give Harris a notable place in his calculations: if she runs, he says he will stay out.