Overview

• Two polls conducted June 10–15 show Newsom’s backing rising from about 4–5 percent to 8–11 percent among Democratic voters.
• Former Vice President Kamala Harris remains the clear frontrunner with roughly 30 percent support, more than double Newsom’s share.
• Newsom’s forceful opposition to Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops during Los Angeles immigration protests is credited with energizing Democratic voters.
• The California governor has not formally declared a 2028 presidential bid but has told reporters it is a path he could envision.
• Analysts warn his image as a “California liberal” and the gap between leaving office and the 2028 contest could pose significant hurdles for his campaign.