Gavin Newsom Signals Presidential Ambitions at SXSW Conference

Gavin Newsom just dropped a political bombshell the size of Texas.

During his appearance at the South by Southwest Conference in Austin on Sunday, the Governor of California caught the crowd off guard by hinting at a potential bid for the presidency in 2028. However, he tied this possibility to the Democrats reclaiming the House in the 2026 midterm elections.

“If we don’t take back the House of Representatives in 2026, nothing else matters,” Newsom declared from the stage, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming elections.

When pressed about a potential “second date” with voters in the 2028 elections, Newsom replied, “The work that needs to be accomplished between now and then is crucial for getting Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries that gavel. If we can achieve that, then you and I can go on a second date,” he stated.

His comments were met with enthusiastic applause from the SXSW audience, sparking immediate speculation regarding his potential national political aspirations.

The discussion took place during a live recording with finance influencer Vivian Tu for her podcast “Networth and Chill,” where the two engaged in a playful dialogue inspired by the show’s “first date” theme.

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.

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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.