California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he will not seek the presidency in 2028 if Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run.
"I wouldn't run if she ran," Newsom told CNN's Jake Tapper in an interview released Monday. When pressed by Tapper, who was fly-fishing with Newsom in Montana at the time, Newsom elaborated, "Of course not. Why would I? I wouldn't do that to her. I wouldn't waste everyone's time."
Newsom cited the significant overlap between their potential supporter bases as a reason for his decision. "I know what that means. I know her base of supporters. I know her friends. The Venn diagram on that is just pure crossover. I wouldn't do that," he explained.
Newsom's name has frequently been mentioned as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election. However, Harris, also a Californian, may have an advantage if she chooses to run, especially if she is the 2024 Democratic nominee.
According to an average of polls compiled by RealClearPolitics, Harris currently holds a 24.5-13.5% lead over Newsom among Democratic hopefuls. Other notable figures like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Jon Ossoff are also trailing behind Harris in this polling average.