Gavin Newsom is taking a calculated risk by embracing Joe Biden as he prepares for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. The California governor has spent the last 18 months publicly defending the former president's legacy, a strategy that sets him apart from other potential candidates who have kept their distance.
Many Democratic primary voters, particularly Black and Latino voters, retain significant affection for Biden despite his broader unpopularity. A Biden endorsement could therefore prove consequential in a crowded primary field, giving Newsom a distinct advantage among key voting blocs.
Newsom has been an unapologetic defender of the former president, citing Biden's ability to pass major bipartisan legislation and his character in contrast to Donald Trump's "childishness." "I'll never turn my back on Joe Biden," Newsom told a South Carolina crowd earlier this year. He added that Biden was "one of the most successful presidents in the last century" while acknowledging differences on immigration policy — a Democratic liability in 2024.
This approach carries risks. By tying himself closely to a president who lost to Donald Trump, Newsom may alienate independent voters and moderates in a general election. His acknowledgment of policy disagreements suggests he is aware of Biden's vulnerabilities even as he publicly defends him.
Critics argue that Newsom's alignment with Biden could backfire if the party seeks a fresh face or direction in 2028. The strategy gambles that the former president's popularity within the Democratic base outweighs his electoral baggage.