Gavin Newsom says he won't run for president if Kamala Harris runs in 2028

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CNN he would not run for president in 2028 if former vice president Kamala Harris enters the race, Newsom said in a brief interview clip released Monday.

Newsom made the remark while speaking with CNN anchor Jake Tapper; Bloomberg quoted him saying, “I don’t know if she runs, but we’ll see. But I wouldn’t run if she ran.”

The comment appears in a short video clip posted by CNN that circulated across news outlets Monday evening and was reported by Bloomberg and others the same day.

A dimly lit television studio control room wall of monitors showing a paused political interview clip, cables and console in foreground

The exchange underlines the developing picture for the 2028 Democratic primary: both Newsom and Harris have been discussed as potential contenders. A 2025 New York Times profile and a 2025 Los Angeles Times piece previously described both Californians as among the leading names in early 2028 speculation.

Newsom has signaled openness to a possible 2028 campaign in earlier interviews and appearances while also weighing his options, reporting from outlets including The New York Times and CalMatters has shown.

Political reporters note that a public statement declining to run against a fellow Californian Democrat reduces the risk of an intra-state primary fight; analysts quoted in earlier coverage have flagged how both figures could draw from similar donor and activist networks in California and nationally.

An empty campaign office with folding chairs, a stack of unbranded flyers on a table and a row of anonymous campaign signs leaning against a wall

What this means for the 2028 calendar depends on whether Harris formally announces. News organizations covering the clip highlighted that Newsom stopped short of ruling out a 2028 run in all circumstances — he framed his comment specifically around whether Harris runs.

For readers watching California politics, the remark narrows one possible contest but leaves open other paths Newsom could take if Harris does not enter the race.

Sources

CNN — video clip of the interview with Jake Tapper where Newsom was asked about a 2028 run.
Bloomberg — reported Newsom’s quoted line, “I don’t know if she runs… But I wouldn’t run if she ran.”
The New York Times — background reporting showing Newsom as a potential 2028 contender and his prior comments about considering a run.
Los Angeles Times — coverage noting both Newsom and Harris have been discussed as possible 2028 candidates.