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California Gov. Gavin Newsom is openly contemplating a 2028 presidential campaign, acknowledging in an exclusive interview with CNN's Dana Bash that his political future could intersect with that of former Vice President Kamala Harris. Speaking during the nationally televised exchange, Newsom did not dismiss the possibility of facing Harris in a Democratic primary, instead casting such a scenario as beyond his control.
Asked what would happen if their «parallel careers intersect and collide,» Newsom replied, «Well, I'm San Francisco now, she's LA. So there's a little distance between the two of us. You know, fate will determine that.» The remark immediately fueled speculation about a high-profile California rivalry on the national stage.
Pressed further by Bash about a direct presidential contest against Harris, Newsom reiterated that he sees the matter as circumstantial rather than strategic.
«Yeah I just – that's fate. I don't – you know, you can only control what you can control,» he said, emphasizing that he has never tried to obstruct Harris' political ambitions.
«I've never gotten in the way of her ambition, ever. I haven't. And I don't imagine I would in the future.»
The comments reflect careful positioning as both figures weigh their options in a party still recalibrating after the 2024 election cycle and looking ahead to a potentially crowded 2028 field.
«If I listened to polls I would have not run for my first office, or my second office — and I certainly wouldn't be sitting here.»
-Former Vice President, Kamala Harris
Harris, meanwhile, has left little doubt that she remains engaged in national politics. In recent interviews, including a BBC appearance following the end of her vice presidency, she declined to rule out another presidential bid.
«I haven't decided. Sincerely. I have not decided. I may or I may not. I have not decided,» she said when asked directly about 2028. At the same time, she signaled continued political resolve, declaring, «I am not done.» Harris has framed her career as one rooted in public service, adding, «I have lived my entire career as a life of service and it's in my bones.»
Those statements have reinforced perceptions that a third run remains plausible.
Early Democratic polling has reflected that possibility. Surveys conducted in the months following the 2024 election have placed Harris near the top of potential primary contenders, in some cases ahead of Newsom.
Although polling at this stage is highly fluid, the numbers suggest that Harris retains significant name recognition and party support despite her previous defeat. She has also dismissed the idea that surveys dictate her political decisions, remarking, «If I listened to polls I would have not run for my first office, or my second office — and I certainly wouldn't be sitting here.» The comment underscores her long-standing argument that electoral viability cannot be measured solely by early snapshots.
The dynamic between Harris and Newsom carries added weight because of their shared political roots in California. Both rose through San Francisco politics before ascending to statewide and national prominence. Harris served as district attorney in San Francisco before becoming California attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president. Newsom was mayor of San Francisco prior to becoming lieutenant governor and then governor. Their careers have occasionally overlapped in cooperative and competitive ways, including Harris' account in her memoir of reaching out to Newsom during the 2024 campaign. The possibility of a primary contest would bring that long-running California narrative onto a national stage.
«Well, I'm San Francisco now, she's LA. So there's a little distance between the two of us. You know, fate will determine that.»
-California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Despite the mounting speculation, Newsom has stopped short of formally declaring his candidacy. In the CNN interview, he stressed that any decision would be made in consultation with his family. Recalling a text from his son reacting to headlines about a potential run, Newsom said, «My son … it was very powerful, texted me a few months ago when there was some headline that suggested that I made some decision, and he goes, ‘Dad, are you running (for) president?'» Newsom said he told him the choice would be collective.
For now, he insists no final decision has been made, leaving the prospect of a Newsom-Harris showdown in 2028 — as he repeatedly put it — to «fate.»
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