California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) says that he wants President Joe Biden to run for reelection in 2024. “He not only beat Trump once, I think he can beat him again,” Newsom said, according to Politico. “I hope he runs, I’ll enthusiastically support him.” But even if Biden does not run, the Democratic governor indicated that he will not pursue the presidency during the 2024 election cycle. “The answer is no,” the governor said.
The outlet reported that Newsom wants it to be known that he will not challenge Biden. “I’ve told everyone in the White House, from the chief of staff to the first lady,” he said. “I’m all in, count me in,” Newsom said he had conveyed to them.
Newsom, who survived a recall election last year, won his reelection bid during the Golden State’s 2022 gubernatorial contest.
Politico reported that the governor wants to do more traveling and bring his message to places like Florida, where he noted that he will contrast his record on COVID-19, crime, and how he defines “freedom” to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Earlier this year, Newsom ran an ad in Florida, claiming that freedom is under assault in the Sunshine State, but Floridians apparently disagreed because they reelected incumbent GOP Gov. DeSantis during the 2022 election.
“I’m willing to take risks, I’m willing to get out and I’m telling you with certainty that I look forward to getting out more not with any grand ambition except to push back on this narrative and try to reframe this debate and get back on offense on freedom,” Newsom said, according to Politico.
Newsom noted that he would like Biden to announce a reelection bid in early 2023 and to then “let me go.”
“It allows me to have his back and to get out there and to make the point I made to the White House, I’ve been making to my party: use us, use us!” Newsom said, referring to mayors and governors, according to Politico.