When it comes to running for the White House in 2028, California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he will defer to the intentions of fellow Democrat and San Franciscan Kamala Harris.

While fly fishing in Montana with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Newsom said it would amount to political suicide if he and Harris both ran in the 2028 primaries, as they’d compete for the same supporters.

“First of all, electorally, it’s a gift from God for everybody else. They can enjoy the hell out of it. Mutually assured destruction,” Newsom said. “It services no greater good.”

CNN posted the taped interview Monday.

“I don’t know if she runs but we’ll see,” Newsom told Tapper. “But I wouldn’t run if she ran.”

Newsom, Harris Position Themselves for 2028

Newsom has been positioning himself for a White House run by becoming a vocal, public critic of President Donald Trump while also adopting some of Trump’s social media tactics.

He’s also toured the country in support of his memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry,” which was ghost-written by Mark Arax of Fresno.

Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2024 presidential nominee Kamala Harris is on tour promoting her 2025 book, “107 Days,” which recounts her campaign against Trump. She’s also weighing in on the November 2026 midterms in states such as South Carolina and Michigan.

Harris has yet to reveal whether she’ll throw her hat into the ring. Typically, such decisions aren’t made until after the midterms.

Newsom has been asked repeatedly whether he would run against Harris. For example, when posed that question in February by CNN, he replied that “fate will determine” the answer.

The Leading Democrats

Even if Newsom or Harris defers to the other’s wishes for 2028, there is a chance the Democratic primary could include another Californian, Rep. Ro Khanna. He is to the left of Newsom and Harris.

In early September, The Hill ranked the Top 10 potential Democratic presidential contenders. Newsom was second and Harris fourth in the ratings led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.