California Governor Gavin Newsom is running a national fundraising campaign aimed at supporting his effort to redraw the state’s congressional maps—a push many view as laying groundwork for a 2028 presidential bid. Notably, the campaign excludes fundraising within California itself.
Newsom launched internet fundraising efforts across the United States in support of a ballot proposition that would gerrymander California districts to counter Republican redistricting in Texas. He framed the initiative as a defense of democracy, declaring, “We’re not gonna watch Donald Trump rig the next election … we’re going to redistrict here in the state of California but we’re going to need your help.”
Conservative observers note the unusual strategy of soliciting donations from every state except Newsom’s own. They suggest this signals his intent to build a national donor base in anticipation of a future presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, Newsom’s active campaign in South Carolina—an early Democratic primary battleground—adds to the speculation. His statewide tour included meetings with rural voters and local Democratic leaders, and raised $160,000 for the state party. Political analysts link these efforts to a sustained strategy for national visibility ahead of 2028.
