One year after surviving a recall effort, California Governor Gavin Newsom is already contemplating a run for the White House. According to an exclusive report from The Wrap, Newsom plans to run if President Biden declines a second term.
“After this midterm election is over, he absolutely is going to announce that he is running for the presidency once Biden announces that he is not running,. No ifs, ands or buts. He will run if Biden does not.”
California fundraiser with close ties to the Newsom family
With the exception of former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, state recall elections typically dampen near-term ambition for higher office. Despite widespread criticism over his handling of COVID lockdowns, as well as statewide energy crisis, rampant homelessness in major metros and the highest resident exodus of all states, Newsom is convinced that he can win a national election and successfully manage the entire country.
Obvious competition from Newsom’s own party would include current Vice President and fellow Californian Kamala Harris, but she hasn’t polled well since she was dropped out of the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. Other potential competitors include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who Newsom recently challenged to a debate on immigration and abortion, despite the fact that DeSantis is racing against Charlie Crist, not Newsom.
Last week, Biden told Scott Pelly on 60 Minutes that has yet to decide if he will run for a second term in 2024.