Yes, surprise, surprise, surprise — California’s sleek-haired governor finally admits he’s seriously considering a 2028 presidential run. As he put it in his interview: “Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise.” So here we go: the “I-could be president” audition officially begins, with the full California experience rolled in.
Where California leads, the nation follows (or worse)
Newsom’s formula: take the California experiment—tax burdens, runaway spending, social policy roll-outs, and regulatory overload—and nationalize it. He’s already launched social-media mockery of his opponents, merch that riffs on “Make America Great Again,” and a wave of redistricting efforts via Proposition 50 that aim to give Democrats more congressional seats. If he makes it to the White House, he won’t just want to govern the country — he wants to turn the USA into California-style governance.
Redistricting first, real results second
While he flirts with the idea of the Oval Office, Newsom’s immediate focus is on passing Prop 50 to redraw Congress in Democrats’ favor. That tells us something: the big ambition comes with big tactics. Whether the outcomes — safe districts, politicized maps — actually improve lives is another question.
The polling tells a wrinkle: he’s nearly even with J.D. Vance
For all the swagger, here’s a sober datapoint: a recent national poll shows Newsom trailing Vance in a hypothetical 2028 matchup — Vance at 46%, Newsom at 45%. And in a New Hampshire early primary test, Newsom tied at 23% among Democrats with Pete Buttigieg. In other words, the ambition is real, but the lead isn’t.
“I got a 960 on my SAT” — humility or campaign motif?
Newsom told CBS he once scored 960 on the SAT and “still struggles to read scripts” — a self-deprecating moment that doubles as campaign imagery. But the bigger point: this slick look, this “everyman governor” schtick, is part of the playbook. Yet one wonders: if you’re positioning for the presidency, is the focus on past academic struggles or governing crises?
The gold state glue wearing off
California under Newsom faces prison-to-street homeless flows, business flight, power costs, regulatory burdens — yet he proposes exporting that model nationwide. If he really wants to lead the country, voters should ask: do you want more California or reform of it? The voters are giving a mixed answer so far, hence that near-tie in polling.
So what’s the “why” behind the run?
He says he doesn’t have a clear “why” yet but believes “faith will determine that.” Meanwhile his actions—redrawing maps, flaunting commentary, building brand—say otherwise. If your “why” is to shift the power maps, win a party nomination, and ride the progressive wave, fine. But if your “why” is putting country ahead of brand, perhaps the jury’s still out.
Verdict: buckle up
Yes, surprise, surprise, surprise — Governor Newsom wants in. With polling showing him competitive (though not leading), the stage is set. Democrats will ask if his California model is national-worthy; Republicans will sharpen their pitch: “Want America or California?” Either way, Newsom’s 2028 audition just moved from quiet whisper to overt campaign trail.
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h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
