California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly ruled out a primary challenge against former Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, should she decide to run. In an interview with CNN, Newsom stated that competing against a fellow California Democrat would be counterproductive and a disservice to the party.
“I wouldn’t do that to her,” Newsom told CNN anchor Jake Tapper. “I wouldn’t waste everybody’s time.” He emphasized that because he and Harris share a similar political base and ideological alignment, a primary contest would essentially amount to a “pure crossover” of their supporters, potentially handing an advantage to their political opponents.
Newsom, who is concluding his final term as governor this year, has long been speculated as a potential 2028 contender. He has spent recent years building a national profile, often positioning himself as a vocal critic of Donald Trump and engaging in national policy debates, including efforts to counter gerrymandering. Despite these efforts, Newsom clarified that he is still assessing whether he is personally ready for a presidential run, noting that a candidate must “meet the moment” and accurately reflect the national zeitgeist.
Kamala Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, has maintained a lower public profile since her defeat. While she publicly stated in July 2026 that she has not yet made a final decision regarding a potential 2028 bid, she remains one of the most recognized figures within the Democratic Party and a presumptive frontrunner should she choose to enter the race.