# Newsom Says He Won't Challenge Harris for 2028 Nomination

- URL: https://twotakes.us/stories/newsom-says-he-wont-challenge-harris-for-2028-nomination
- Published: 2026-09-16T01:12:01.577970+00:00
- Topics: 2028-election, democratic-party, gavin-newsom, kamala-harris, presidential-primary

## What the left says
- Newsom frames a Harris-Newsom primary matchup as unnecessary infighting that would only help Republicans, reflecting a broader concern about party unity heading into 2028.
- His deference signals respect for Harris's prior candidacies and standing within the party, rather than a lack of ambition on his part.
- Newsom emphasizes he would only run if he has a genuine 'why' and the backing of his family, suggesting a values-driven rather than purely opportunistic approach to a potential campaign.
- He continues to build a national profile through his podcast, social media presence, and redistricting fight against Trump, indicating his 2028 planning continues regardless of Harris's decision.

## What the right says
- Critics view Newsom's remarks as calculated positioning rather than genuine deference, noting his simultaneous national fundraising and media efforts suggest he's still angling for a 2028 run.
- Some commentators highlight the irony that Newsom acknowledges Harris's two failed presidential bids yet still says he'd defer to her, questioning his political judgment or sincerity.
- Skeptics portray the friendly, staged nature of the interview (fly-fishing with a sympathetic CNN host) as an attempt to soften Newsom's image rather than a substantive policy or political statement.
- Some see this as evidence that top Democratic contenders lack compelling rationales for their candidacies, reinforcing a broader critique that the party's 2028 field is uninspired.

## Common ground
- Newsom told CNN's Jake Tapper directly, 'I wouldn't run if she ran,' during a fly-fishing interview in Montana.
- Newsom argued that a primary contest between two California Democrats would be a 'gift' to Republicans and other candidates due to overlapping bases of support.
- Harris has not announced whether she will run in 2028, saying she is focused on the midterms and hasn't made a decision.
- Newsom acknowledged that Harris has run for president twice before while he has not, calling it a fair point against him.

## Sources
- [Breitbart](https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/09/14/gavin-newsom-wont-run-2028-if-kamala-harris-runs/) (Right)
- [Daily Wire](https://www.dailywire.com/news/gavin-newsom-promises-not-to-run-for-president-if-kamala-wants-it) (Right)
- [Just The News](https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/elections/newsom-says-he-will-not-run-president-2028-if-kamala-harris-does?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators) (Right)
- [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2028-election/gavin-newsom-says-wont-run-2028-kamala-harris-rcna597825) (Lean Left)
- [Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/newsom-vs-harris-chances-against-vance-as-california-governor-defers-to-former-vp-12441719) (Lean Right)
- [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/14/us/politics/gavin-newsom-kamala-harris-2028-president.html) (Lean Left)
- [RedState](https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/09/14/gavin-newsom-reveals-the-one-thing-that-could-end-his-presidential-campaign-before-it-even-starts-n2206927) (Unknown)
- [The Guardian US](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/14/gavin-newsom-president-kamala-harris) (Left)
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6089232-newsom-run-harris-2028/) (Center)
- [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/09/14/gavin-newsom-says-he-wont-run-president-if-kamala-harris-does/) (Lean Left)
- [Washington Times](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/14/gavin-newsom-says-wont-run-president-kamala-harris-enters-2028-race/) (Right)

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