(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) California Gov. Gavin Newsom has long been viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic nomination in 2028, but in a recent interview, he revealed one condition that would keep him out of the race: Kamala Harris entering the field.
Newsom made the declaration during an awkward interview with CNN host Jake Tapper that was filmed in August in Montana. The two leftist figures were fishing when Tapper pivoted to the 2028 presidential race.
Speaking of Harris, the former vice president and twice-failed presidential candidate, Newsom said, “I don’t know if she runs, but we’ll see. I wouldn’t run if she ran.”
Shocked by the answer, Tapper pressed Newsom on his decision, to which Newsom replied: “Why would I? I wouldn’t do that to her. I wouldn’t do it to me. I won’t waste everyone’s time. Who needs that?”
Newsom’s comments come just weeks after reports allege that the DOJ is scrutinizing his administration and people close to him. Specifically, federal prosecutors are examining his wife’s finances and the foundation that pays for his travel expenses.
Newsom, however, made no mention of the investigations. Instead, he suggested that a primary battle between himself and Harris could benefit other candidates, including other Democrats and potentially the Republican nominee in the general election.
“First of all, electorally it’s a gift from God for everybody else,” Newsom continued. “They’d enjoy the hell out of it. Mutual assured destruction. It serves no greater good. Why would I do this if I wasn’t trying to serve some greater good? There would be no upside whatsoever.”
Newsom tells @jaketapper he won’t run in 2028 if Kamala Harris runs. pic.twitter.com/auDjNdBlyr
— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) September 14, 2026
Newsom’s comments are notable because he has positioned himself for years as a prominent national figure within his party. He has also openly discussed a potential presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, Harris continues to be seen as a potential contender herself, particularly after she declined to run for California governor in 2026.
If Harris enters the race, she would have to overcome skeptics who view her as a liability because of her ties to former President Joe Biden.
She has already run for president twice. Harris first sought the Democratic nomination in 2020 before dropping out before voting began. She then became the party’s nominee in 2024, when she lost to President Donald Trump.
Tapper reminded Newsom of these concerns, which Newsom appeared to acknowledge.
“That would be the case you’d make,” Newsom stated. “Pretty good one, actually. That’s objectively true. But I know what that means. I know her base of supporters, I know her friends, the (Venn) diagram on that is just pure crossover … I wouldn’t do that to people. I wouldn’t put them in that position … Every other Democrat is praying for that, and every other Republican is gonna pray for that. And that’s just not gonna happen.”
