Newsom has made a spate of announcements targeting conservatives — such as setting up billboard ads in GOP-led states to promote California as an “abortion sanctuary,” proposing a constitutional convention to pass an amendment controlling gun ownership and sparring with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida regarding migrant flights from his state. The measures have prompted views that Newsom is trying to cultivate a national profile to run for president, which he could do as early as 2024, as well as defend California’s left-wing policy record amid critiques.

“[H]is behavior is consistent with all the things you mention,” said Morris Fiorina, a professor of political science at Stanford University, about whether Newsom was engaged in “candidate behavior” ahead of a presidential contest. “[S]hould the president be unable to run for any reason in 2024, Newsom could be viewed by the party as a 2024 nominee,” Fiorina added, while also mentioning that Newsom was seeking to “position himself for 2028.”

[Newsom probably thinks he sees an opening if Biden suddenly can’t run for a second term. However, Kamala Harris would have the inside track in that case, and progressives would likely insist on Harris rather than dumping her for a white man, especially one as indefensible as Newsom. — Ed]