California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he might not run for president after all – depending on who’s in the race with him.
In a new 40-minute interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, the pair spoke about a range of topics, including his potential presidential bid, while fly-fishing in Montana. Tapper asked what would happen if former Vice President Kamala Harris were to enter the race as well.
“I wouldn’t do that to her,” Newsom said. “I wouldn’t do that to you. I wouldn’t waste everyone’s time. Who needs that?”
It was a shocking declaration, because Newsom has long been considered a front-runner in the 2028 presidential election. He clearly seems to aspire to higher office.
Even the interview itself – the appeal to the everyman through Newsom’s choice of dress
and activity, as well as the affectation of his speech as he answers Tapper’s questions – gives off the vibe of someone who is going to run. But perhaps it’s a sign that he has different aspirations – still a desire to be in the Oval Office, albeit in a different role.
I can't overstate how bad of an idea that would be.
The Democrats have to be completely deluding themselves if they think Harris, who already lost to President Donald Trump once, or Newsom, who is falling behind in the polls, will win more voters.
There is no hope of getting every corner of the Democratic Party to come out if you have two Californians who will move toward the middle under the slightest amount of pressure. It's just a bad idea, not that Democrats seem to have any better ones.
Gavin Newsom's moderate stances won't help Democrats win
Like Newsom, Harris hasn't confirmed she will run in 2028, despite months of speculation. She hasn’t had much of a public presence since she lost the 2024 presidential election, save for a book tour that touted the failings of the Democratic Party during that time. Back in April, she told the Rev. Al Sharpton that she was considering another run.
“I know what the job is,” Harris said. “And I know what it requires.”
Both Harris and Newsom came up in Bay Area politics, eventually rising in the ranks of the California Democratic Party. According to Newsom, they share too many of the same friends and supporters to run against each other.
“Every other Democrat is praying for that, and every other Republican is going to pray for that,” Newsom told CNN. “And that’s just not gonna happen.”
Perhaps Newsom is trying to force Harris' hand, having her solidify her decision to run before he makes his move. Perhaps he’s deferring to her in a ploy to look considerate, hoping to get a chance at the vice presidency. He has a point that other Democrats vying for the presidency would be happy to see the two Californians split their voter pool, so that someone else rises to the top.
No matter what, it is a weird look for him to take every step toward running for president, only to shoo the opportunity away because of a friendship.
This is the same man who takes every chance he gets to attack Trump, the same man who has taken moderate stances in the hopes of appealing to Middle America. And now he’s saying he doesn’t want the job? Give me a break. Republicans, particularly the Make America Great Again movement whose activists have found their heir apparent in Vice President JD Vance, are hoping these two Democrats are on the ticket.
Nobody wants two California Democrats running the country
As 2028 gets closer, everyone is tossing out names for who should run. Of course, Harris and Newsom are among the top Democratic contenders for the presidency, alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia.
Of everyone being floated, Harris and Newsom are the safest bets. I just don’t know that they’re bets the Democratic Party should be willing to make.
I stand by my belief that nominating Harris a second time would be a risky move for the Democratic Party, but I don’t know that Newsom would be much better. Of the two, I’m not sure if there’s one I’d prefer.
Harris is the more experienced candidate, while Newsom doesn’t come with the baggage Harris has been burdened with following unsuccessful presidential campaigns.
Both have met the moment when it was called for – Harris stepped in when it was clear former President Joe Biden was no longer fit to run for reelection, while Newsom has battled with Trump legally since 2025. Both have their shortcomings and have tried to appeal to the mythical moderate voter in their sales pitches.
I do know one thing: A Harris/Newsom ticket would only appeal to California, leaving everyone else grumbling about coastal elites. While I think the California governor is trying to play it safe if the former Democratic presidential nominee invites him to join her on the ballot, it would be an unwise decision for the Democratic Party. If one of them is going to run, they must decide soon and let the other person wait it out in California for another four years.
Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeño on Bluesky: @sarapequeno.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's worse than Harris or Newsom in 2028? A combined ticket. | Opinion
