Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California will run for president in 2024 should President Joe Biden not seek re-election, according to a report by The Wrap on Monday.
One source close to Newsom, a Democratic fundraiser in California told The Wrap about Newsom’s plans, which were confirmed by another source. Newsom is “absolutely is going to announce that he is running for the presidency once Biden announces that he is not running,” said the fundraiser, according to The Wrap.
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Newsom has been launching ad campaigns in several Republican-run states – challenging their new restrictions on abortion and inviting women there to receive abortions in California.
He has also clashed with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and, after the latter flew migrants from the southern border to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, challenged him to a debate.
So far, President Joe Biden has not announced his 2024 plans, though he has mentioned previously that he wishes to run, again. Biden, 79, would turn 82 years old shortly after election day in 2024.
Several Democrats have said that Biden should not seek re-election, citing his age as the reason. Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, who is running in the state’s U.S. Senate race against Republican J.D. Vance, has said that “it’s time for some generational change,” when asked about Biden running.
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Others claim that his performance (i.e., on inflation, foreign policy, and climate change) make him uncompetitive in 2024. A recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows that 61% of voters do not want Biden to run again in 2024.
Should Biden not run, observers expect a competitive Democratic primary. Vice President Kamala Harris, who ran for president in 2020 before dropping out before the Iowa caucuses, is frequently mentioned as a candidate, as is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
In a recent interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Biden said that he will decide his plans for 2024 after November’s midterm elections. Biden admits it’s not certain that he’ll run.
Newsom, for his part, leads the country’s largest state, with an above-water 53% approval rating per a poll from the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies. He is expected to win re-election in November, with the same poll giving him a 27% lead over Republican State Sen. Brian Dahle.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Free Press.
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