Newsom Receives Star Treatment at DNC Meeting as 2028 Presidential Buzz Intensifies

California Governor Gavin Newsom received a “rock star reception” at the Democratic National Committee’s annual winter meeting in Los Angeles on Thursday, further fueling speculation about his presidential ambitions for 2028.

“Newsom received a rock star reception as he was mobbed by party leaders and activists alike while he attempted to walk to his next of the many meetings set up yesterday,” a DNC committee member told reporters on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The enthusiastic welcome comes as Democrats attempt to regroup after losing control of both the White House and Senate in the recent elections. Despite these setbacks, the party has found new energy following better-than-expected performances in special elections and decisive victories in the 2025 contests, where affordability emerged as a winning issue.

DNC Chair Ken Martin emphasized this forward momentum in a statement: “As we head into the midterms, we are unified, focused, and ready to fight to lower costs for working people.”

While the meeting primarily focuses on preparing for the 2026 midterm elections, the shadow of the 2028 presidential race looms large. With the unofficial start of the next White House campaign less than a year away, potential candidates are already positioning themselves.

Newsom’s political stock has risen considerably this year, largely due to his confrontational approach toward President Donald Trump. His viral social media tactics and successful efforts to counter Republican congressional redistricting in California have earned him prominence within the party.

“Newsom has shown an ability to stand up to Trump in a bold and highly effective manner without shying away from core democratic values,” veteran Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo noted.

Lucas Meyer, former president of the New Hampshire Young Democrats, added: “Newsom is getting attention right now because he’s extremely quick on his feet. He’s sharp — maybe too slick for some folks in New Hampshire — combative, engaging, and even funny in a way that cuts through.”

The California governor has not shied away from presidential speculation. When asked in October if he would give a presidential bid “serious thought” after the 2026 midterms, he candidly replied, “Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise. I’d just be lying, and I can’t do that.”

During the DNC meeting, Newsom strategically met with Democratic Party chairs from New Hampshire and Nevada—two crucial early voting states in the presidential primary calendar. “We had a great discussion on a wide range of issues,” confirmed Ray Buckley, longtime New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair.

Despite his rising profile, Newsom faces skepticism from some quarters. Progressive Democrats remain unconvinced of his left-wing credentials, while moderates worry Republicans would weaponize his California record against the party in a general election.

“I think there are a lot of people on the left that are not bought in that he’s a progressive candidate, but they’re bought in that he’s the right voice right now as the contrarian personality to go up against Trump,” explained Michael Ceraso, Democratic strategist and founder of communications firm Winning Margins.

Newsom is not the only Democrat testing presidential waters at the DNC gathering. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who raised over $1 million for the DNC at a star-studded fundraiser featuring Conan O’Brien, Billy Crystal, Martin Short, and Jane Fonda, is also making connections. When asked previously about a potential White House run, Pritzker told NBC News, “I can’t rule anything out.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, the party’s 2024 nominee, is participating in the meeting as well. After declining to run for California governor in 2026, Harris has kept the door open for another presidential bid, telling the BBC in October, “I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones.”

The appearances of these three Democratic heavyweights represent an early audition for 2028. “It sets the tone not just for a Democratic landslide in the 2026 midterm elections, but it gives them an opportunity to start honing in on a winning message for Democrats in 2028,” remarked one anonymous DNC committee member.

More than a dozen other Democrats are considered potential 2028 contenders, including Governors Josh Shapiro, Andy Beshear, Wes Moore, and Gretchen Whitmer; Senators Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly, and Chris Murphy; progressive Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna; and moderates like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

With Democrats focused on reclaiming congressional majorities in 2026, these potential candidates will likely be fixtures on the campaign trail next year. As Democratic strategist Caiazzo observed, the party is “in for a long and intense presidential primary which has historically been a good thing for our party.”