As early speculation about the 2028 presidential election begins, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson believes one Democrat stands out as someone President Donald Trump is watching closely.
According to Carlson, California Governor Gavin Newsom has become a frequent target of Trump’s criticism because the president sees him as a potentially serious political opponent.
Speaking during a recent interview, Carlson said he believes Trump is convinced Newsom could emerge as a major Democratic contender for the White House.
Tucker Carlson Explains Why Newsom Could Be Competitive
Carlson argued that Newsom’s biggest political strength is his communication style.
Carlson claimed Newsom has an unusual ability to deliver nearly any message with complete confidence, remarking that he could “say anything while passing a lie detector test.”
The comment reflects Carlson’s opinion and continues his long-running criticism of the California governor’s leadership and political messaging.
Carlson Rules Out a 2028 Presidential Campaign
During the discussion, Carlson was also asked whether he plans to seek the presidency himself.
He quickly dismissed the idea.
“I don’t want to run for president,” Carlson said. “I do want to be involved in offering an option of some kind.”
Although he did not explain exactly what role he intends to play, Carlson indicated he wants to remain active in shaping the future of the conservative movement.
Trump and Carlson’s Relationship Has Changed
Carlson was one of President Trump’s most prominent supporters during the 2024 campaign. He appeared at campaign events, strongly defended Trump in the media, and delivered remarks during the Republican National Convention.
Since then, however, the two have publicly disagreed over several major issues, particularly U.S. foreign policy and America’s involvement in the conflict with Iran.
Carlson has said he felt disappointed by some of the administration’s decisions and has acknowledged that he regrets parts of his previous endorsement. President Trump has responded by criticizing Carlson publicly, calling the former Fox News host “a low-IQ person.”
2028 Race Already Drawing Attention
While the next presidential election remains years away, conversations about possible candidates are already gaining momentum across both parties.
For Republicans, Trump continues to dominate political headlines, while Democrats are expected to debate whether leaders such as Gavin Newsom can unite their party and compete nationally.
Carlson’s remarks underscore that many conservatives are already evaluating which Democratic figures could become the GOP’s toughest challenge in 2028. Whether Newsom ultimately enters the race remains unknown, but his name continues to generate significant political discussion.