Newsom's 2028 plans could hinge on Harris' decision
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Gov. Gavin Newsom says there's one person who could keep him out of the 2028 presidential race: Kamala Harris.
Why it matters: Newsom's announcement that he won't run if Harris does puts the former VP in an unusual position: Her decision could help determine whether another of California's most prominent Democrats enters what is expected to be a crowded Democratic primary.
- It also allows Newsom to publicly show deference to Harris — his longtime political contemporary dating back to their days in San Francisco — without closing the door on his own ambitions if she sits the race out.
Driving the news: Newsom told CNN's Jake Tapper this week that he would not run for president if the former vice president launches another White House bid.
- "I wouldn't run if she ran," Newsom said, arguing that their overlapping networks of supporters, friends and donors could make a head-to-head contest damaging to both.
Between the lines: Newsom has done little to quiet speculation about his national ambitions.
- He's made two trips this year to South Carolina, the first state on the Democratic presidential nominating calendar, while expanding his national profile through campaigning, media appearances and his podcast, the New York Times reports.
- Some Democratic strategists view his deference to Harris as politically advantageous whether or not she ultimately runs, per the SF Chronicle.
- The move could be politically useful for Newsom as it allows him to signal respect for a longtime ally and her supporters.
By the numbers: Newsom is ending his term-limited time as governor with relatively strong approval ratings: 51% of Californians approve of his job performance, including 76% of Democrats, per a new PPIC statewide survey.
- PPIC's historical polling shows his overall approval at this point in his tenure is higher than that of previous incumbent governors at the same stage of their terms.
Harris hasn't made up her mind and said recently that she's focused on helping Democrats in the midterms, according to the LA Times.
- Going forward, Newsom has made his position clear. Now the question is what Harris does with it.