This was shocking to see!
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declined to return the favor after California Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed her reelection campaign, refusing to commit to supporting him if he runs for president in 2028.
The potentially awkward moment came when Bass was questioned about Newsom’s political future and whether she would back the California governor in a future race for the White House.
Newsom has already thrown his support behind Bass as she campaigns for another term as mayor. But when the question was turned around, Bass wasn’t ready to make the same commitment.
Bass Asked About Newsom’s 2028 Ambitions
During an interview with Jacob Soboroff, Bass initially discussed the endorsements surrounding her own campaign.
Bass is facing Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman in the November runoff. Raman has received support from the Democratic Socialists of America.
Bass said she did not seek the organization’s endorsement and suggested there was a lack of political alignment between the two sides.
The conversation then shifted to Newsom.
Bass confirmed that the California governor had endorsed her reelection campaign. Soboroff followed up by asking whether she would be prepared to endorse Newsom if he seeks the presidency.
Bass immediately declined to make that commitment.
“Oh, my! It is way too early! Way too early!” Bass said.
When asked whether Newsom had spoken with her about potentially running for president, Bass said he had not.
“No, not at all,” she responded.
Newsom Previously Gave Bass His Full Support
The exchange is particularly noteworthy because Newsom has already publicly backed Bass in her fight to remain mayor of America’s second-largest city.
In announcing his endorsement, Newsom praised Bass’s record in Los Angeles, pointing to an 18% decline in homelessness along with reported declines in violent crime.
He also credited the mayor with efforts to increase film production in Los Angeles and highlighted her opposition to federal immigration enforcement policies.
Newsom said Bass had his “full support for reelection.”
Bass welcomed the governor’s endorsement as she worked to build support ahead of the election.
Bass Stops Short of Returning the Favor
Despite receiving Newsom’s backing, Bass clearly wasn’t prepared to commit herself to his possible presidential ambitions.
Her answer does not establish that she opposes Newsom or would refuse to support him in the future. Instead, Bass emphasized that she believes it is simply too early to decide whom she would support in the 2028 presidential election.
That distinction is important.
Newsom has generated considerable national attention surrounding his political future, but the next presidential election remains more than two years away, and the Democratic field has yet to take shape.
Bass also has her own election to worry about before presidential politics takes center stage.
Bass Faces Her Own Political Battle
Bass is seeking another term as Los Angeles mayor after advancing from the primary election.
She will face Raman in the November runoff, putting the immediate focus on control of Los Angeles City Hall rather than the next race for the White House.
That contest could help explain why Bass is reluctant to get involved in presidential endorsements this early.
Politicians frequently wait until presidential fields become clearer before committing themselves to a candidate, particularly when they are simultaneously fighting their own election campaigns.
Newsom’s Endorsement Isn’t Being Reciprocated — Yet
For Newsom, the exchange shows that receiving his endorsement doesn’t automatically translate into early support for his own potential presidential campaign.
He publicly backed Bass and praised her record as mayor. When Bass was given an opportunity to return that political favor, however, she chose to wait.
That could certainly change if Newsom officially enters the 2028 presidential race.
For now, Bass is keeping her options open.
And with several years of political maneuvering still ahead before Americans choose their next president, Newsom may have to wait considerably longer to learn whether one of California’s most prominent Democratic mayors will ultimately stand behind him.