Governor Newsom Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Using State Resources for Presidential Campaign

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing renewed criticism regarding his perceived presidential ambitions, with allegations surfacing that state resources are being utilized for political grandstanding. Dr. Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD, stated on social media, > "How much time & money did @GavinNewsom WASTE (again) on this political grandstanding? Using OUR tax money, OUT time to benefit his @GavinNewsom28 Presidential campaign." This tweet highlights growing concerns among some critics about the Governor's focus.

Speculation surrounding Governor Newsom's potential 2028 presidential bid has intensified, particularly following a shift in his public statements. After years of denying interest in a White House run, Newsom has recently acknowledged it as a possibility, telling the Wall Street Journal in June 2025, "I’m not thinking about running, but it’s a path that I could see unfold." This change in tone has been noted by political observers and news outlets.

Many California voters and political analysts believe Newsom is increasingly focused on national politics. A poll released in August 2025 by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times indicated that over half of California voters think Newsom is prioritizing his presidential prospects over governing the state. Critics argue that his national profile-building activities divert attention and resources from pressing state issues.

Newsom has actively engaged in activities seen as laying the groundwork for a national campaign. These include touring red states to campaign for fellow Democrats, launching a podcast, and engaging in high-profile debates and confrontations with Republican figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. His social media presence has also mirrored Trump's style, further raising his national visibility.

The Governor's actions are often interpreted as positioning himself as a leading Democratic contender for 2028, particularly as he is term-limited and set to leave office in January 2027. His efforts to challenge perceived authoritarianism and defend democratic principles, often in direct opposition to Donald Trump, have further elevated his national standing and fueled ongoing discussions about his future political trajectory.