Gov. Gavin Newsom is making waves within the Democratic Party, positioning himself as a key advocate for President Biden and raising his national profile amidst rumors of potential White House aspirations.

Newsom has been a prominent supporter of Biden, addressing concerns about the president’s age and promoting the administration’s achievements. His recent debate with 2024 GOP presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Fox News further solidifies his position as a leading figure within the Democratic Party.

Newsom’s performance in the “Great Red vs. Blue State Debate” on Fox News demonstrated his ability to hold his own against a Republican presidential contender. Despite the heated exchange, Newsom dismissed the idea of either governor being their party’s nominee in 2024, suggesting the debate could be a preview of the 2028 election and beyond.

Newsom’s national prominence has been growing, with political science professor David McCuan describing him as a “star for Democrats” and a key figure on the Democratic national stage. However, Newsom’s focus on the national stage has led to criticism within his home state, with recent polls showing his popularity at an all-time low among California voters.

Despite these challenges, Newsom continues to advocate for the Biden administration and has also supported Vice President Harris, who could potentially be a rival in a future presidential race. As Newsom’s term as governor comes to an end due to term limits, his actions suggest he is preparing for a potential future on the national stage.

Read more at The Hill.