California Governor Gavin Newsom at the Vogue World: Hollywood Announcement at Chateau Marmont on March 26, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
Sacramento, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom’s presidential prospects took a hit this week with the release of a new poll that casts doubt on his national standing among Democratic voters. The survey, conducted by co/efficient from May 7 to May 9 among 1,462 likely voters, found that just 2% view Newsom as the face of the Democratic Party — a potentially ominous sign for a rumored 2028 bid. The poll carries a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points.
Though Newsom has not formally declared any intention to run, speculation has swirled around his political ambitions for years. However, the poll suggests he faces an uphill battle establishing himself as a compelling post-Biden leader amid a fractured Democratic Party searching for new direction following sweeping losses in 2024.
Leading the poll was New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was named by 26% of respondents as the current face of the party — tied only with the 26% who said “no one” holds that role. Senator Bernie Sanders trailed with 12%, followed by former Vice President Kamala Harris at 6%, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at 5%.
Notably, 22% of those surveyed selected “Other,” highlighting the lack of a clear front-runner able to unify the party’s diverse coalition.
Ocasio-Cortez has not confirmed a 2028 campaign but has increasingly positioned herself nationally through a populist “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Sanders and a recent campaign-style video. Pollster Nate Silver has cited her as the most likely candidate to top the Democratic ticket, pointing to her strong appeal among the party base.
By contrast, Newsom has struggled to break through. To broaden his appeal, the California governor has launched a podcast featuring conversations with conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon. He recently announced plans to sue the Trump administration over its “Liberation Day” tariffs.
Despite these moves, Newsom acknowledged in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that he has not yet found a compelling reason to run, stating, “Without a burning why… I don’t deserve to even be in the conversation.”
Other recent polling underscores the challenge ahead. In April, a survey by Emerson College and The Hill found that 59% of California voters don’t think Newsom should run for president in 2028.
Newsom is term-limited and will leave the governor’s office in 2026. With no clear Democratic heir apparent, the 2028 primary field is expected to be crowded — and Newsom may face long odds in making himself relevant in the national conversation.
