Newsom says he'll run for president if Democrats win back the House

[dalton99a]

https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/politics/article/gavin-newsom-california-sxsw-22016190.php

California Gov. Gavin Newsom drops presidential bombshell at SXSW in Texas
The California politician praised Texas Democrats' record turnout during the March primary season — and teased ahead to a major career decision.
By Kelsey Thompson
March 15, 2026

In a bombshell admission during the 2026 South by Southwest Conference & Festivals in Austin on Sunday, March 15, California Gov. Gavin Newsom dropped a Texas-sized gauntlet: If the Democratic Party can flip the House of Representatives during the November 2026 midterm election, he'll run for president in the November 2028 election.

The revelation came during an hour-long featured session and live podcast recording with Vivian Tu, host of the personal wealth and financing podcast Networth and Chill. During the Lone Star State appearance, Tu hosted a "first date" with the California politician as part of the podcast's format, discussing the governor's new book Young Man in a Hurry and his embattled pushback against President Donald Trump.

Regarding the latter, Newsom minced no words as he referred to Trump as an "invasive species" and a "jack*ss" and praised Texas Democrats' turnout in the March primary, which saw Austin-area powerhouse Rep. James Talarico cinch the Democratic U.S. senatorial nomination and substantive turnout from blue voters in key counties that previously voted for Trump.

"I do not believe we will have a fair and free election as we know it in 2028, if we don't take back the House of Representatives in 2026. Nothing else matters," Newsom said when asked about a "second date" with his supporters at the November 2028 ballot box. "It is the hard work that you did here in Texas in this primary where Democrats showed up in record [numbers]. Work that's been done in 30 state races that we've flipped blue from red — the work that needs to be done between now and then to get Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries that gavel. If we can do that? Then you and I can go on a second date."

...

[SSJVegeta]

1. I will likely not be one of his primary election supporters.

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

4. Here here. People who thought it a good idea to

marry Kimberly Guilfoyle should not have their fingers anywhere near the nuclear trigger.

[Ziggy Beans]

11. He would be really far down my list

And I don't even know who's running yet. He's the exact opposite kind of candidate the Democrats should be nominating right now

[FascismIsDeath]

2. Well, if Democrats win back the House, Newsom has a rightful claim to someone that did something to make it happen.

That is going to be especially true if its small margins but even if its huge margins, Newsom used his power as the governor of our biggest state to fight back against what Trump started with Texas and some other red states.

I have no preference for 2028 right now. I'm waiting to see what the field brings and what the overall vibe of the electorate will be at that time.

[Ponietz]

9. Same here, wait and see, but this moment in history really needs someone as radical as FDR

We need comprehensive reform. Nothing less will suffice.

[dweller]

3. 😖

don’t jinx it , gav




✌🏻

[PeaceWave]

5. Newsom is 6-0 in elections, defeated a recall attempt and passed Prop 50...

I like our chances to take back the House - Specifically because of Newsom's efforts.

[JI7]

6. The only thing that matters is winning and Newsom has a good chance of it . Better than most Democats

And chances of winning have little to do with issues .

[DenaliDemocrat]

13. I disagree

He’s not winning the Midwest and probably not Georgia or North Carolina.

[Scrivener7]

7. I'm fine with that.

Politics is like getting on a public bus. None of them goes right to your door. You get on the one that gets closest.

[Roy Rolling]

8. well said

I’m gonna remember that.

[Quiet Em]

17. That's true. But I'm still going to look at other buses on the schedule

and not just jump on the first bus that stops.

[DenaliDemocrat]

12. Please No

A California Democrat has zero chance of winning nationwide. How about Andy Beshar? Someone who can actually win.

[Nanjeanne]

14. Hopefully there will be a robust primary season with good candidates so we can truly choose the

candidate that best represents the policies I support.

[tritsofme]

15. This might as well be his announcement then, there is a 0% chance Democrats fail to retake the House in November.

But he is smart to keep the focus on the midterms for now.

[Emile]

16. Chris Murphy is on the top of my list.