Newsom Won’t Run in 2028 if Harris Does

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CNN's Jake Tapper he would not run for president in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris enters the Democratic primary. He delivered the remarks while fly fishing in Montana in an interview reported around Sept. 14, 2026. Newsom said competing against Harris would be "mutually assured destruction" because their supporter bases show "pure crossover," calling it "a gift" to rival candidates and adding, "I wouldn't do that to people." Tapper challenged the stance by noting Harris has run twice while Newsom has never sought the presidency. Newsom said any presidential bid would also hinge on his four children, two of whom currently oppose the idea. Harris said last week she had not decided whether to run, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Times reported polls giving Harris a double-digit lead over Newsom in a hypothetical 2028 matchup, while also finding more enthusiasm for Newsom among California's major donors earlier this year. Investigations into finances connected to Newsom and his wife are described as an ongoing political complication.