Portrait of Gavin Newsom
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Gavin Newsom on Kamala Harris

Complex political ally (moderate)

TL;DR

Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris maintain a publicly cordial but politically complex relationship amid potential 2028 presidential aspirations.

Key Points

  • The two Californians' parallel careers launched in San Francisco, mentored by the same political figure.

  • Harris' memoir mentioned Newsom's unavailable reply, stating, “Hiking. Will Call Back,” to her post-election outreach.

  • Both Newsom and Harris have recently indicated they would give serious thought to running for president in 2028.

Summary

Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris share a history as parallel California politicians who ascended through San Francisco, often maintaining a veneer of mutual support while carefully avoiding direct conflict. This relationship is now frequently framed in the context of a potential 2028 Democratic presidential primary contest, suggesting an undercurrent of rivalry beneath the surface cooperation.

This dynamic was highlighted when Harris noted in her memoir that Newsom was unavailable when she tried to reach him following the previous presidential election, to which Newsom later attributed a missed call from an unknown number while preparing a statement. Both have recently hinted at presidential ambitions, with Newsom stating he would be lying if he said he would not consider a run after the next midterm elections, and Harris asserting she is "not done" with public service, fueling speculation about their future maneuvers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gavin Newsom currently maintains a politically complex yet outwardly cordial relationship with Kamala Harris, acknowledging their shared political history in California. Their current dynamic is heavily viewed through the lens of potential future competition for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.

The relationship appears to have shifted from one of careful political alliance to a more openly framed rivalry concerning the presidency. While they have carefully avoided direct conflicts historically, recent hints at 2028 White House bids suggest a more competitive stance is emerging.

Newsom addressed an anecdote from Kamala Harris's memoir concerning an unreturned call. He stated that his reply, “Hiking. Will Call Back,” was sent after an unknown number popped up on his phone while he was drafting a statement.

Sources7

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.