California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom will reportedly run for president in 2024 if President Joe Biden does not seek re-election.
Individuals familiar with Newsom’s plans told TheWrap that Newsom was “undeniably, unequivocally” going to run for president if Biden does not run again.
A top fundraiser inside the state who is close with the governor told the publication that “after this midterm election is over, he absolutely is going to announce that he is running for the presidency once Biden announces that he is not running.”
“No ifs, ands, or buts,” the person said. “He will run if Biden does not.”
The news comes after Biden refused to state during a CBS News interview that aired Sunday whether he was going to run again for president in 2024.
Biden made the remarks during an interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” with host Scott Pelley as some Democrats have stated that he would not be running for office again.
“Sir, are you committed to running again, or are there certain conditions that have to be right?” Pelley asked.
“Look, if I were to say to you, I’m running again, all of a sudden, a whole range of things come into play that I have – requirements I have to change and move and do,” Biden responded, noting that election laws played a factor in his answer. “And it’s much too early to make that kind of decision. I’m a great respecter of fate. And so, what I’m doing is I’m doing my job. I’m gonna do that job. And within the time frame that makes sense after this next election cycle here, going into next year, make a judgment on what to do.”
“You say that it’s much too early to make that decision,” Pelley responded. “I take it the decision has not been made in your own head.”
“Look, my intention as I said to begin with is that I would run again. But it’s just an intention,” Biden answered. “But is it a firm decision that I run again? That remains to be seen.”
BREAKING: Joe Biden Refuses to commit to 2024 run on 60 Minutes: “Look, my intention, as I said, to begin with is that I would run again. But it's just an intention. But is it a firm decision that I run again? That remains to be seen.” pic.twitter.com/W5DhBCQ0i9
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 19, 2022