Newsom Insists He Will Not Challenge Biden in 2024 Despite Speculation

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) will not challenge President Joe Biden for the Democratic candidacy in the 2024 presidential election despite much speculation that he will run. 

Newsom’s decision regarding the next presidential election comes after he won reelection in California’s gubernatorial election on Nov. 8. In July, Newsom made a visit to the White House while Biden was out of the United States, adding fuel to the speculation of a challenge to the presidency.

“I’ve told everyone in the White House, from the chief of staff to the first lady,” Newsom told Politico

In the event that Biden faces off against former President Donald Trump, Newsom said he believes that Biden could “beat him again,“ adding that he hopes Biden runs and would “enthusiastically support him.” 

During a victory speech Newsom made after winning reelection, the California governor discussed how the state’s leadership had “affirmed clearly with conviction that we are a true freedom state” and compared himself favorably to Republican governors, including the one “flying migrants to an island.” The reference was seemingly aimed at Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), seen by many as a strong contender for the Republicans in the 2024 election. 

Trump is the only candidate who has announced his run in the next presidential election, which he announced on Nov. 15. DeSantis has not made any announcement regarding 2024, but rumors of a rivalry with the former president have spread in recent months.

Other Republicans considered to be possible contenders for 2024 include former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Vice President Mike Pence

Biden, who turned 80 years old on Sunday, has not announced if he will run for reelection, though he has said he intends to run again. In an early exit poll conducted on Nov. 8, two-thirds of voters said they do not want Biden to seek reelection in 2024, according to CBS News.

Reporting by The Washington Examiner.

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