Pelosi Seen as 'Fan Girl' for Newsom, Boosting His 2028 Presidential Bid

Former House Speaker reportedly believes the California governor would make a 'great president'.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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According to a new report, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is a strong supporter of California Governor Gavin Newsom and is expected to boost his potential 2028 presidential run. Pelosi, who is set to retire from Congress this year, has never shied away from publicly or privately endorsing Newsom, with one former aide describing her as a 'Gavin fan girl'. The two politicians are also related, with Pelosi's brother-in-law briefly married to Newsom's aunt.

Why it matters

Pelosi's endorsement and support could provide a significant boost to Newsom's national profile and presidential ambitions, especially since she will no longer be in a position of House leadership during the 2028 election cycle. Newsom has been steadily raising his national and international profile in recent years, further fueling speculation about a potential White House run.

The details

According to the report, Pelosi believes Newsom would make a 'great president' and has set her sights on getting him in the White House. The 85-year-old Pelosi, who is serving out her last term before stepping down this year, has never hidden her admiration for the California governor. 'She's a Gavin fan girl and she doesn't crush on many people,' one former Pelosi aide said. 'I will say this: She's hardly ever wrong. When she says she sees something, it's a real thing.'

  • Pelosi is set to retire from Congress this year.
  • Newsom is weighing a potential presidential run in 2028.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

Former Speaker of the House who has served in Congress for nearly four decades.

Gavin Newsom

Governor of California who is reportedly weighing a presidential run in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“She's a Gavin fan girl and she doesn't crush on many people. I will say this: She's hardly ever wrong. When she says she sees something, it's a real thing.”

— Former Pelosi aide (Axios)

“I've seen him grow politically. I've also seen him have this beautiful family, and for all of us who love him, seeing him evolve has been wonderful to behold.”

— Nancy Pelosi (Vogue)

What’s next

Newsom is expected to make a decision on a potential 2028 presidential run in the coming years, with Pelosi's support potentially playing a key role in his decision-making process and campaign strategy.

The takeaway

Pelosi's endorsement of Newsom could provide a significant boost to the California governor's national profile and presidential ambitions, especially given her long-standing influence within the Democratic Party. This development highlights the complex web of political relationships and alliances that often shape the trajectory of high-profile political careers.