California Gov. Gavin Newsom is rejecting speculation that he could challenge President Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2024, telling the POTUS himself that he is “all in” on Biden’s re-election.
In an interview with Politico, Newsom sought to quell speculation that he might seek the Democratic nomination after what the outlet said was “considerable” irritation from the White House over rumors that he was planning a run to oust Biden.
“I’ve told everybody in the White House, from the chief of staff to the first lady,” he said, saying his message is “I’m all in, count on me” to Biden’s re-election bid.
There had been talk of a possible 2024 Newsom bid in recent months amid growing Democratic concerns about Biden’s health, age and low approval ratings. Fears about how Biden would fare in a 2024 fight against former President Donald Trump, or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, had prompted some Democrats to begin looking for a potential replacement, with Newsom’s name floated as a possibility option
BIDEN SAYS 2024 RE-ELECTION DECISION ‘EARLY NEXT YEAR’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom and their children, delivers a statement after winning his second term in office, in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 .((AP Photo/Rich) Pedroncelli))
That concern has likely dissipated somewhat after a stronger-than-expected performance by Democrats in the November legislature, where Democratic fears of a Republican “red wave” failed to materialize. Democrats have retained the Senate, and while they lost control of the House, Republicans will only get a small majority. As a result, Biden’s position looks stronger than it did in the summer.
Biden said during a post-election press conference that he intends to run for re-election and will make a final decision early next year.
WITH BIDEN 2024 IN DOUBT, SAN FRANCISCO VOTERS RUN A STRONG ASSESSMENT OF GAVIN NEWSOM’S PRESIDENTIAL FUTURE
“I think everybody wants me to run, but we’re going to have discussions about that,” Biden said. “Hopefully Jill and I will have some time to get away for a week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I guess it will be early next year when we make that judgment.”
Newsom had also fueled speculation that he might lead by repeatedly launching public attacks on DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. But the governor, who comfortably won re-election in blue California, is said to have stepped out of his motorcade near a Sacramento hotel on election night and called Biden to personally express his support for his candidacy for re-election.
“I’m all in; make me coach,” Newsom said. “We’ve got your back.”
According to Politico, Newsom did not intend for the channel’s reporter to listen in on the conversation, but happened to be leaving the same hotel when he took the call.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The outlet reported that Trump’s return has become the top priority for the party and explains why his party has given so much leeway to Biden during a difficult 2022. And now, one of its top potential top threats has been recorded in its entirety. endorsing Biden 2024, specifically mentioning his record in defeating the former president.
“Not only did he beat Trump once, I think he can beat him again,” Newsom said. “I hope he runs, I will support him enthusiastically.”
Fox News’ Patrick Hauf contributed to this report.
Adam Shaw is a political reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.
He can be reached at adam.shaw2@fox.com or on Twitter.