Newsom is taking a big gamble.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appears to be making a bold political gamble that could shape the Democratic Party’s future—and potentially determine whether he ever reaches the White House.
As rumors of a 2028 presidential campaign continue to grow, Newsom is choosing a path many Democrats are avoiding: standing firmly behind former President Joe Biden.
While several rising Democrats have quietly distanced themselves from Biden and his troubled final years in office, Newsom has repeatedly defended the former president, praised his accomplishments, and maintained close ties with the Biden family.
The strategy may help him win over loyal Democratic voters. But critics warn it could become a major obstacle if he reaches a general election.
Newsom Refuses To Abandon Biden
For months, Democrats have debated how much of Biden’s political legacy should carry into the next presidential race.
Many party leaders have attempted to move forward after Biden’s controversial 2024 campaign collapse. Others have openly questioned whether he should have sought reelection at all.
Newsom, however, has taken the opposite approach.
Earlier this year, he told supporters in South Carolina that he would never turn his back on Biden.
The California governor has repeatedly praised the Biden administration’s record and described the former president as one of the most successful leaders in modern American history.
Those comments have not gone unnoticed.
Political observers say Newsom is making it clear that he wants credit for defending Biden when many others were running for cover.
A Risky Move For 2028
Not everyone believes that loyalty will pay off.
Republican strategist Matt Klink argues that Newsom’s close relationship with Biden could become political baggage in a national election.
According to Klink, Democratic primary voters may appreciate Newsom’s loyalty. Independent voters and swing-state Americans may see things differently.
“It may help Gavin Newsom win the Democratic primary, but it destroys him in the general election,” Klink said.
Critics argue that Newsom already faces challenges because of California’s reputation among many voters.
High living costs, homelessness, crime concerns, and business departures have all become issues frequently associated with the state. Opponents are likely to argue that Newsom wants to bring California-style policies to the rest of the country.
For many voters outside the West Coast, that message could be difficult to sell.
The Biden Family Connection
Newsom recently fueled even more speculation about his presidential ambitions when he hosted Hunter Biden on his podcast.
During the conversation, Hunter jokingly referenced Newsom’s possible White House plans and even offered to campaign for him.
While the exchange was lighthearted, it reinforced Newsom’s close relationship with the Biden family.
That relationship stands out at a time when many Democrats appear eager to focus on a new generation of leadership.
Some party insiders believe Biden’s decision to remain in the 2024 race for so long damaged Democratic chances and prevented a competitive primary from taking place.
Others argue that Vice President Kamala Harris was left with too little time to build a winning national campaign after Biden stepped aside.
Those debates continue to divide Democrats today.
Polls Show An Unsettled Race
The race for the 2028 Democratic nomination remains wide open.
Kamala Harris continues to lead many early surveys, but Newsom remains one of the most visible and active potential candidates.
Political analysts note that both politicians have seen fluctuations in support, highlighting how unsettled the field remains more than two years before voting begins.
Newsom appears to be betting that Biden still enjoys significant support among key Democratic voting groups, particularly black and Hispanic voters.
Whether that support transfers to Newsom remains an open question.
Critics See A Credibility Problem
Perhaps Newsom’s biggest challenge involves his defense of Biden’s fitness for office.
Following Biden’s disastrous debate performance against President Donald Trump in 2024, Newsom remained one of the president’s strongest defenders.
At the time, he dismissed concerns and insisted Biden remained capable of serving.
Later, he acknowledged that some donors had been surprised by Biden’s condition but suggested factors such as fatigue and travel demands played a role.
Critics argue those comments could become damaging campaign material during a presidential race.
Every statement Newsom made defending Biden is likely to be replayed repeatedly if he launches a White House campaign.
Opponents will almost certainly ask whether Newsom was honest with voters about Biden’s condition or simply protecting a political ally.
Can Newsom Escape Biden’s Legacy?
The biggest question facing Newsom may be whether he can embrace Biden’s accomplishments without inheriting the controversies.
Supporters see him as a skilled communicator who can energize Democratic voters.
Critics see a politician closely tied to the policies and problems that frustrated millions of Americans during the Biden years.
That includes ongoing debates over inflation, border security, government spending, foreign policy decisions, and concerns about transparency surrounding Biden’s health.
As Newsom spends more time on the national stage through media appearances, travel, and public battles with President Trump, speculation about a presidential campaign continues to intensify.
But his decision to remain one of Biden’s most loyal allies could ultimately define his political future.
If Democratic voters reward that loyalty, Newsom could emerge as a leading contender for the White House.
If voters view Biden’s record as a liability, Newsom may discover that political loyalty comes with a very high price.
