California Gov. Gavin Newsom has confirmed he’s “giving serious thought” to running for president in 2028 — but says no decision will come until after the 2026 midterms. Speaking on CBS News Sunday Morning, Newsom admitted, saying, “Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise.” Once hailed as an LGBTQ+ hero for declaring marriage equality in San Francisco’s 2004 “Winter of Love,” Newsom’s record since then has been both celebrated and criticized.
He signed laws protecting trans youth from forced outing, created California’s sanctuary for gender-affirming care, and blocked schools that rejected lessons about Harvey Milk. But his recent actions have raised eyebrows. He withdrew $40 million from LGBTQ+ health programs and sparked outrage after agreeing with far-right activist Charlie Kirk that it’s “deeply unfair” for trans girls to compete with cisgender athletes.
While Newsom has signed numerous pro-LGBTQ+ bills, he’s also vetoed measures on inclusive health education and hormone coverage. As speculation builds about 2028, many in the queer community are left asking whether Gavin Newsom remains an ally — or a politician balancing his ambitions against his principles.
