Gavin Newsom Reveals What's Holding Him Back from Running for President: 'I'm Busted'

California governor says his family's support is the only thing standing in the way of a potential 2028 White House bid.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a wide-ranging interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that the only thing preventing him from launching a presidential campaign is whether his family, including his wife and four children, would be on board with it. Newsom admitted that his family's support is a day-to-day consideration, with one of his sons recently telling him he's 'too young' and needs to 'spend more time with us' instead of running for president.

Why it matters

Newsom has been building a national profile and fueling speculation about higher political ambitions, leading some to view his new memoir as a prelude to a 2028 presidential run. However, the governor's comments about his family's hesitation highlight the personal sacrifices and family dynamics involved in seeking the nation's highest office.

The details

In an interview with CNN, Newsom said 'There are five of them' when asked what would stop him from running for president, referring to his wife and four children. He emphasized that any decision to run would be made as a 'family' and 'partnership.' Newsom recalled a recent interaction with one of his sons, who texted him about a headline suggesting he was gearing up for a presidential campaign and told him 'You can't' because 'I'm too young, You need to spend more time with us.'

  • Newsom's interview took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The 58-year-old governor of California who has been building a national profile and fueling speculation about higher political ambitions, including a potential 2028 presidential run.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Gavin Newsom's wife.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are five of them.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (CNN)

“It will be done as a family and it'll be done as a unit. It will be done as a partnership.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (CNN)

“You can't. I'm too young, You need to spend more time with us.”

— Newsom's son (CNN)

What’s next

Newsom has not yet announced any definitive plans for a presidential campaign, stating that any decision would be made as a family.

The takeaway

Gavin Newsom's comments highlight the personal and family considerations that often factor into high-profile political decisions, even for seasoned politicians. The governor's focus on his family's support suggests he is prioritizing his personal life over potential national ambitions, at least for the time being.