Newsom Considers 2028 Presidential Bid Amidst Outreach to Black Voters

California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly acknowledged he is giving "serious thought" to a 2028 presidential run, signaling his intentions following the 2026 midterm elections. This announcement comes as the governor has intensified his engagement with national political issues and made concerted efforts to connect with key demographic groups, including Black voters. Newsom's recent activities have drawn both support and criticism, with some observers drawing parallels to past political strategies.

The speculation surrounding Newsom's presidential ambitions intensified after an interview aired on October 26, where he stated he would be "lying" if he denied contemplating a White House bid. His actions, including visits to early primary states and active social media engagement challenging Republican figures, have fueled these discussions. Newsom, who is term-limited as governor at the end of 2027, has positioned himself as a prominent voice within the Democratic party.

In recent weeks, Newsom has focused on outreach to Black communities, particularly in relation to California's Proposition 50, a redistricting initiative. The California Teachers Association (CTA), a proponent of the measure, has engaged Black newspapers to reach voters, framing Prop 50 as a defense against voter suppression tactics seen in other states. Additionally, Newsom recently signed legislation aimed at advancing reparations for descendants of enslaved people in California, though he vetoed several other related bills, leading to mixed reactions from advocates.

The governor's efforts have been noted by commentators, with one social media user, Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD, posting on X (formerly Twitter): > "🤣 @GavinNewsom @GavinNewsom28 taking a page out of the @JoeBiden playbook, doing his best to appear Black as he launches his 2028 Presidential campaign. At least he didn’t say “if you don’t vote for me, you ain’t Black!”" This tweet references a controversial remark made by then-candidate Joe Biden during a 2020 interview where he told a radio host that if Black voters had trouble deciding between him and Donald Trump, "then you ain't Black."

Newsom's strategic engagement with diverse voter bases and his readiness to confront national political issues are seen as foundational steps for a potential presidential campaign. His office has emphasized a commitment to addressing the needs of various communities, including through initiatives like the reparations study and the appointment of Laphonza Butler, a Black woman, to the U.S. Senate. These moves highlight a broader strategy to build a national profile and secure support ahead of future electoral contests.