California Governor Gavin Newsom made an unexpected announcement stating that if Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, decides to run for the 2028 presidential election, he will not run himself. In an interview that aired Monday night, he said: "If she runs, I won't run."
Newsom's Analysis of Competing with Harris
Newsom explained that competing with Harris, who is known as a Democrat from California and previously served as the state's Attorney General, would be an "electoral gift" for all other competitors. He said: "This makes it enjoyable for others. Mutual destruction. It benefits no one. Why would I do this if my goal is not to serve the public good?"
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Newsom, who is seriously considering a presidential run, acknowledged that if Harris runs, his electoral approach could be that Harris has already run for president twice and had her chance. He pointed out that "this is a rule that can be cited. It is really true."
Current Status of Kamala Harris
Harris's office did not respond to an immediate request for comment on Newsom's statements. Harris herself had said in July that she has "not made a decision" and is focusing on the midterm elections. She announced earlier this year that she is considering a third presidential run and told Reverend Al Sharpton at an event in April that she is "thinking about it."
Newsom, whose term will end in the coming months, had previously stated that he would make his final decision regarding his candidacy after the midterm elections. He told CBS News last year that he would seriously consider it after the 2026 elections. He recently traveled to South Carolina, which will be the first state to hold Democratic primary elections in 2028, and confirmed that he is thinking about running for president.
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