"Mutual destruction": California governor promises to clear the way for Kamala Harris in 2028

California Governor Gavin Newsom clarified in an interview with CNN that he will not run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris runs, warning that a contest between them would be "mutually assured destruction." Newsom noted that their base of supporters and donors is nearly identical, and a contest between them would split the camp. The decision also depends on the support of his four children.

California Governor Gavin Newsom clarified in an interview with CNN that he will not run for president of the United States in 2028 if Kamala Harris runs, warning that a contest between them would be "mutually assured destruction." In an interview with Jake Tapper, Newsom explained that their base of supporters and donors is nearly identical, and a contest between them would split the Democratic camp and be a "gift from heaven" for the other candidates. Tapper pressed the governor, noting that Harris has already had her chance when she previously ran for the office, while Newsom has never done so. Newsom admitted this is a strong argument. Beyond political considerations, Newsom emphasized that any decision to run for president would go through his family, calling a potential run "a non-starter" if he does not have the full support of his four children. The statement prevents, at least for now, a head-on collision in the Democratic Party between two of the most prominent politicians who emerged from the same political power base in California.