California Gov. Gavin Newsom says there is one scenario that would keep him out of the 2028 presidential race.
If former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run for president again, Newsom says he will not enter the race against her.
Newsom made the statement during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper. He said competing directly against Harris would be a “waste of everybody’s time” because the two longtime California Democrats have significant overlap among supporters, donors and political relationships.
Newsom described a potential primary battle between them as “mutual assured destruction.”
Neither Newsom nor Harris has officially announced a presidential campaign for 2028.
Harris has, however, publicly acknowledged that she is considering another run. Earlier this year, Rev. Al Sharpton asked her directly whether she might seek the presidency again.
“I might,” Harris responded. “I’m thinking about it.”
More recently, Harris has said her immediate political attention is on the 2026 midterm elections rather than making a final decision about 2028.
Newsom has also stopped short of announcing a presidential campaign and said any decision would depend on whether he believes he is the right person for that particular political moment.
For now, both remain publicly undecided about 2028, with Newsom making clear that he does not intend to compete against Harris if she enters the race.