Newsom says he would defer to Harris in 2028
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he would not run for president in 2028 if former vice-president Kamala Harris entered the race. In comments reported by the New York Times and The Hill, Newsom said they would compete for similar voter bases. Neither has formally declared a 2028 campaign.
Why it matters
The statement begins to clarify how two prominent California Democrats might navigate the next presidential primary.
Sources
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Part of the September 15, 2026 brief.