09/16/2026
Gavin Newsom says he would not run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris decides to enter the race.
Newsom made clear that if Harris chooses to seek the presidency again, he would step aside rather than compete against her in the Democratic primary. He said he would not want to create a primary fight that could divide supporters and donors who overlap between the two California Democrats.
Newsom also described a potential Newsom-Harris contest as “mutual assured destruction” and said he would not want to “waste everyone’s time” by running against her if she decides to enter the race.
Harris has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign, so her decision remains open. Newsom has also not formally announced a 2028 presidential campaign.
For now, the situation is conditional: Newsom says he would not run if Harris runs. If Harris does not enter the 2028 race, Newsom’s plans could be different. The Democratic field for 2028 remains unsettled, with candidate decisions still to come.