California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed Sunday that he will begin giving a 2028 presidential run “serious thought” after the 2026 midterm elections. The comment came during an interview with CBS correspondent Robert Costa, marking one of Newsom’s clearest signals yet about his political future.
When asked by Costa whether he would think seriously about running after the 2026 midterms, Newsom responded, “Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise.” Costa pressed further, asking if the governor was any closer to finding his “why” for seeking the presidency. Newsom quoted philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, saying, “If you have a compelling why, you can endure any how.”
He explained that any decision to run must come from conviction rather than ambition. “People see right through you if you don’t have that why,” Newsom said. “You’re doing it for the wrong reasons. And so, look, faith will determine that.”
Addressing a “Crisis of Masculinity” in the U.S.
Beyond electoral politics, Newsom used the interview to address what he called a growing “crisis with masculinity” across the nation. He noted troubling trends among American men, including rising suicide rates, school dropout rates, and social isolation.
“Men are struggling,” he said. “Suicide rates are off the chart, dropout rates, suspension rates, loneliness, despair, deaths of despair. It’s a serious crisis what’s going on in this country.” The governor said his podcast has been used to spotlight these issues, criticizing Democrats for not focusing enough on them.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among men in the United States, with sharp increases seen over the past decade. Newsom’s focus on male mental health marks an attempt to bridge an issue often discussed more frequently by conservatives than liberals.
Echoes of Concern Over Democracy
Newsom’s comments follow earlier warnings about the state of U.S. democracy. In a September appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he expressed concern that “we will not have an election in 2028” unless Americans recognize what he described as a “code red” moment for democracy.
“I really mean that in the core of my soul,” he said during that interview, emphasizing the need for civic vigilance and political engagement. His statement echoed concerns raised by other leaders about election integrity and democratic norms in recent years, particularly following the events of January 6, 2021. For further context, the Reuters has reported ongoing threats to election security across several states.
Looking Toward 2028
While Newsom has repeatedly denied plans to challenge President Joe Biden, his remarks suggest growing openness to a future campaign. By tying his political ambitions to themes of purpose, faith, and national unity, he appears to be setting the stage for a potential bid grounded in moral and cultural renewal.
“If you have a compelling why,” Newsom said, “you can endure any how.” Whether that conviction leads him to the 2028 ballot remains to be seen, but his comments signal that the question is no longer if — but when.