Gavin Newsom just tossed a Texas-sized political grenade.
The California governor stunned a crowd at the South by Southwest Conference in Austin on Sunday by hinting he’ll make a run for the White House in 2028 — but only if Democrats seize back the House in the 2026 midterms.
“If we don’t take back the House of Representatives in 2026. Nothing else matters,” Newsom said from the stage.
When asked about a “second date” with his supporters at the ballot box in 2028, Newsom said, “the work that needs to be done between now and then to get Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries that gavel. If we can do that? Then you and I can go on a second date,” Newsom said.
The comment drew loud cheers from the SXSW audience — and quickly fueled speculation about the governor’s national ambitions.
The remarks came during a live taping with finance influencer Vivian Tu for her podcast “Networth and Chill,” where the pair played off the show’s tongue-in-cheek “first date” format.
Newsom used the Austin appearance to plug his new book, “Young Man in a Hurry,” while also unloading on his favorite political punching bag: Donald Trump.
He blasted the president as an “invasive species” and a “jack—” while warning that American elections themselves could be on the line.
“I do not believe we will have a fair and free election as we know it in 2028, if we don’t take back the House,” Newsom told the crowd.
He also tipped his cap to Democratic turnout in Texas’ recent primaries, pointing to the Senate nomination victory of state Rep. James Talarico and strong Democratic numbers in counties that previously went for Trump.
Newsom framed those results as a blueprint for Democrats nationwide.
He also took aim at Texas taxes, calling them the “most regressive in the country” and arguing middle-class Texans actually pay more than their California counterparts — a claim that drew predictable groans from some locals.
Still, Newsom acknowledged California’s own political sins, admitting the state’s housing crisis stems from decades of “NIMBY” resistance to new development.
Fixing that, he said, remains one of his top priorities.