# Gavin Newsom 2028 presidential aspirations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gavin-newsom-2028-presidential-aspirations > Updated: 2026-09-30T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signaled potential aspirations for a 2028 presidential run through active campaigning and strategic political development. In early September, Newsom visited South Carolina to participate in the state’s Democratic primary cycle, where he criticized Republican power consolidation and the Democratic establishment. His visit drew criticism from South Carolina Republican leaders, who suggested California’s governance serves as a “cautionary tale.” By late September, Newsom’s status as a potential contender intensified as he identified former President Bill Clinton as a political mentor for discussing policy and strategy. During this period, Newsom also addressed domestic criticisms regarding California’s homelessness and income inequality, defending the state’s economic role and characterizing opposition to his leadership as “California derangement syndrome.” ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Gavin Newsom eyes 2028 presidential run with Bill Clinton's counsel California Governor Gavin Newsom is being eyed as a 2028 presidential contender, citing Bill Clinton as a political mentor while defending his record against criticisms of California's economic and social state 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gavin-newsom-eyes-2028-presidential-run-with-bill-clintons-counsel ### 2026-09-04: Gavin Newsom campaigns in South Carolina amid 2028 presidential speculation California Governor Gavin Newsom campaigned in South Carolina, signaling 2028 presidential ambitions while facing criticism from Republicans and concerns regarding his ability to appeal to non-Californian moder 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gavin-newsom-campaigns-in-south-carolina-amid-2028-presidential-speculation --- Cite as: Gavin Newsom 2028 presidential aspirations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gavin-newsom-2028-presidential-aspirations