California Governor Gavin Newsom is trying to end speculation that he will run for president in 2024, saying he is all in for President Joe Biden.
“I think we have to move past the idea that he’s not going to run,” Newsom told NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd in an interview, adding that he looked forward to getting Biden re-elected.
“I think there’s been so much hand-wringing and hand-wringing in this regard over the last few months,” Newsom said. “But we are preparing for the campaign. We are looking forward to it.”
He said his message to donors wondering whether the nominee will be someone other than Biden is: “Time to move on. Let’s go.”
Tune in Sunday morning to NBC’s “Meet the Press with Chuck Todd” to learn more about Newsom and Chuck’s final show moderating the broadcast. Check local listings.
Newsom has long been talked about as a future presidential candidate for the Democrats. The embattled governor has gained national attention for taking progressive positions on issues such as education and immigration, following the lead of his political opposite, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Newsom and DeSantis have agreed to face off in a debate — with a date yet to be determined — hosted by Fox News host Sean Hannity. The potential matchup has irked some Biden advisers, as NBC News reported, especially those around Vice President Kamala Harris, a likely competitor in 2028.
Newsom said he had read reports that Harris’ advisers were angry about the debate, but said he had not heard anything directly.
“I wish I knew who that was,” he said. “But I’m not hearing it from her… and I’m certainly not hearing it from the White House itself.”
Asked whether he should be considered a likely candidate if Biden falters, Newsom said Harris is “obviously the one in line.”
The governor described his relationship with the vice president, a former senator from California, as an “extremely close working relationship” that dates back to before they were in politics. He said they “maintain a very good relationship” privately.
“We had the opportunity to sit down together, have lunch together at the White House and spend time talking about important things,” Newsom said.
When asked if he could imagine running into her, Newsom replied: “Of course not. By definition. Not going to happen.”
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
