Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said in a CNN interview published Monday that he would forgo a 2028 presidential campaign if former Vice President Kamala Harris decided to run. "I wouldn't run if she ran," Newsom told Jake Tapper during a fly-fishing outing in Montana, adding: "I wouldn't waste everyone's time."

The statement seemed to fly in the face of Newsom's presidential ambitions, which he has telegraphed since before Harris lost the 2024 election. If taken at face value, the pledge could constrain him if Harris runs again, forcing him to either keep his word or break it against a fellow California Democrat.

It is also possible Newsom could announce a campaign before Harris does, giving him wiggle room to argue he broke no promises. A spokesman, Bob Salladay, said he could not immediately offer more clarity on what Newsom meant.

The 2028 primary race is expected to start as soon as late this year, after the midterm elections. Newsom has made two trips to South Carolina this year and started a podcast interviewing guests across the political spectrum.