California’s Governor Gavin Newsom appeared to transform a solemn occasion into a political opportunity during the memorial service for civil rights icon Jesse Jackson. The event, held at a church on Chicago’s South Side, attracted a multitude of Democratic figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Newsom, rumored to be eyeing a 2028 presidential run, was seen mingling with these influential party members, exuding the charm of a Cheshire Cat.

Photographs captured the outgoing governor in the act of networking and taking selfies with the Democratic elite, amid the thousands gathered to honor Jackson’s legacy. This setting served as a backdrop for what some interpreted as a strategic move in Newsom’s budding political campaign, coinciding with his promotion of the book “Young Man in a Hurry,” which hints at his aspirations for higher office.

A particularly noteworthy moment occurred when former President Obama, seated prominently in the front row, turned around to warmly acknowledge Newsom. This gesture did not go unnoticed and quickly sparked discussions across social media platforms, fueling speculation about its implications.

“Wow.. Newsom was just anointed by Obama,” commented one user on X, reflecting the widespread interpretation of the gesture as a significant endorsement. Another user echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “As good as an endorsement. This is Obama crowning Gavin.”

“Wow.. Newsom was just annointed by Obama,” wrote one X user.

“As good as an endorsement. This is Obama crowning Gavin,” another chimed in.

Others were more skeptical, pointing out that it’s normal to greet people at events.

High-profile Dems, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Rev. Al Sharpton, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, also attended the Friday event at the House of Hope.

The event was celebratory and upbeat, with performances by a gospel choir and Jennifer Hudson, BeBe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans.

Attendees chanted, “I am somebody!” and “Keep hope ​alive!” — two of Jackson’s best-known catchphrases. 

President Trump did not attend due to his schedule and ongoing events, a White House official told Reuters.

Obama spoke at the service and decried the state of America under the Trump administration, without explicitly naming the commander in chief.

“Each day we wake up to some new assault on our Democratic institutions, another setback to the idea of the rule of law, an offense to common decency. Every day you wake up to, to things you just didn’t think were possible,” Obama said in a speech

Obama credited Jackson with inspiring him to run for president, having watched Jackson’s own White House bid in 1984.

“He paved the road for so many others to follow,” Obama said at the service.

Newsom, meanwhile, has dodged questions about his widely expected 2028 White House bid, telling The Post last month that it was “wildly premature” to speculate.