Overview

• A UC Berkeley IGS poll of 6,201 voters found 54% believe Newsom is more focused on future presidential ambitions than solving state problems, with only 26% saying he prioritizes state governance.
• Newsom's job approval remains evenly split at 46%, reflecting consistent partisan divides since late 2023.
• The governor has not ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, stating he would need a 'burning why' and a 'compelling vision' to justify entering the race.
• Speculation about a potential White House run is fueled by Newsom's bipartisan outreach, including moderating stances on controversial issues and launching a national podcast featuring conservative figures.
• Amid California's budget deficit, Newsom is preparing a mid-May budget update, which may propose cuts to his healthcare expansion for undocumented immigrants.