Newsom Returns to New Hampshire to Bolster Midterm Candidates, Eye 2028
The California governor will campaign for Democrats in the key early primary state, continuing his national political outreach.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is scheduled to campaign in New Hampshire this weekend, supporting Democratic candidates in the midterm elections while continuing to build his political presence in a state critical to the 2028 presidential nominating calendar.
Newsom's itinerary includes rallies and fundraising events, with a focus on boosting candidates like Rep. Chris Pappas, who is running for the U.S. Senate, and gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington. He is also slated to join Pappas for a canvassing launch in Nashua and a meet-and-greet in Exeter.
This visit marks Newsom's second trip to New Hampshire this year. In March, he visited the state to promote his memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry." His current trip is framed by his team as a push to aid Democrats in the upcoming midterms.
The California governor has been active in national politics throughout the year. His travels have included appearances at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Munich Security Conference in Germany, and London for a clean-energy agreement. These international trips were funded in part by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit supported by donors.
Newsom has also focused on the Southern campaign circuit, visiting Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina in September. These visits have been presented as efforts to support Democratic candidates, but also serve as opportunities to gain exposure in states that play a significant role in presidential primaries.
His memoir tour involved extensive travel across the country, with his federal political committees spending over $1.5 million to purchase copies of his book and for venue rentals for campaign-style events. This strategy aimed to introduce him to a broader electorate and enhance his profile.
New Hampshire holds a pivotal position in the Democratic Party's 2028 presidential primary schedule, ranked third after South Carolina and Nevada. Newsom has also visited Nevada multiple times this year.
Newsom's political committees have directed significant financial support to New Hampshire Democrats, contributing over $526,000 through more than 23,500 individual donations. This funding has benefited the state party, Pappas' Senate campaign, and congressional candidate Stefany Shaheen.
Nationally, Newsom's fundraising efforts for Democrats have exceeded $6.5 million this cycle, according to his team.
The governor has previously stated he would not run against Vice President Kamala Harris if she seeks the presidency in 2028. However, his continued national travel and engagement suggest his own presidential aspirations. A recent report indicated challenges for Harris in regaining support from some long-time supporters.