California Governor Gavin Newsom selected his phrasing with precision during a recent discussion about Vice President Kamala Harris, yet still managed to drop significant hints indicating he views the 2028 presidential election as his opportunity rather than hers. The two political figures have shared a complex, intertwined trajectory for decades, with both now widely regarded as leading contenders to helm the Democratic Party in the next presidential contest.
A Longstanding Political Dance
Newsom and Harris first crossed paths electorally in San Francisco back in 2003, when Newsom secured the mayoral office and Harris was elected district attorney. Their careers have since unfolded on parallel national stages. Harris pursued a Senate seat in 2016 and later launched a presidential bid in 2024, while Newsom strategically waited until 2018 to campaign successfully for the governorship of California.
Carefully Chosen Words
In his Thursday interview with Axios, Newsom made a telling statement regarding their dynamic. "I also have known my relationship to that relationship - that when she goes, she goes first," he remarked. He further described Harris by saying, "She's lived an extraordinary life," notably employing the past tense, which some observers interpreted as a subtle suggestion that her peak political chapter may be concluding.
The governor was also questioned about a passage from Harris's bestselling memoir, released last year, in which she claimed Newsom failed to return her phone call after Joe Biden exited the presidential race. Newsom responded dismissively, "I think it created some color for the book. It certainly helped her book sales - not my component part, but that book has done unbelievably well." He clarified that he did text her back, avoiding direct criticism yet implying the episode was overblown.
Suggestions of a Shift
Throughout the conversation, Newsom refrained from overtly attacking Harris but hinted that her era for major political maneuvers might be winding down. "Kamala is an incredibly talented person who can do anything," he stated. "She doesn't have to be anything anymore." He pledged to support her in any future political role, adding, "She's exceeded so many people's expectations - maybe not her own. And she may run for another office. She may run for school board." This comment, while superficially supportive, carried undertones of diminishing her national aspirations.
The 2028 Polling Landscape
This verbal sparring coincides with fresh polling data from Daily Mail/JL Partners that sketches the early 2028 electoral battlefield. Harris remains the frontrunner with 22 percent support, though this marks a one-point decline. Newsom trails closely behind at 19 percent, holding steady from previous surveys.
Other potential Democratic contenders are also gaining traction. Pete Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary under President Biden, has climbed one point to 11 percent, solidifying his position in third place. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recorded the most significant surge, jumping three points to 8 percent and moving into fourth position.
A Literary Admission
In a candid moment, Newsom admitted he had not thoroughly read Harris's memoir. "I did not fully read it. I've got it. I've read excerpts," he confessed, before addressing the camera directly: "I admit, Kamala, I have not fully absorbed the book. I should, but I was more focused on getting [my book] out." This admission underscores the competitive undercurrents defining their relationship as both vie for future leadership of the Democratic Party.
