California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has launched a book tour widely seen as a precursor to a presidential bid, discussed with CNN the possibility of running against another longtime California political figure, former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“What happens if these parallel careers intersect and collide?” CNN’s Dana Bash asked Newsom in an interview that aired Sunday.
“Well, I’m in San Francisco right now and she’s in Los Angeles,” Newsom began. “So there’s a little distance between the two of us. You know, fate will decide that.”
“I never stood in the way of her ambitions,” he added. “I didn’t. And I don’t think I will in the future.”
“But if you’re running against each other for president,” Bash continued. Newsom responded: “Yeah, I just – that’s fate. I don’t – you know, you can only control what you can control.”
Newsom has been outspoken about his interest in a 2028 presidential run. Harris chose not to run to succeed Newsom as California governor but left open the possibility of a third run for president.
Harris served as San Francisco district attorney, was elected California attorney general, then became a U.S. senator and finally served as vice president. Newsom served as mayor of San Francisco before becoming lieutenant governor and governor.
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (L) stands with California Governor Gavin Newsom during a campaign event in San Leandro, California on September 8, 2021. – SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
The two sometimes clashed — Harris wrote in her recent book, “107 Days,” that when she called Newsom to ask for his support after former President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid, Newsom texted back, “Hike. Will call back,” but never did. (Newsom was quick to back Harris, later telling reporters the call came from an unknown number.)
Newsom stressed in the interview with Bash that he would weigh the decision carefully with his family. Asked if his family was on board, Newsom responded: “I don’t know. It depends on the day.”
He also expressed concerns about one of his sons about a potential presidential run.
“My son … this is very powerful, he texted me a few months ago when there were some headlines about some decisions I had made, and he said, ‘Dad, are you running for president?'” Newsom said.
He continued, “I said, no, we’re going to make that decision as a family. And then he goes, you can’t. I said, why? He said, ‘I’m too young. You need to spend more time with us.’
“I mean, what do you do with that guy?” he said.
“How do you deal with that guy?” Bash responded.
“That’s right — I’m asking you,” Newsom replied with a smile.
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