WASHINGTON — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he would refrain from entering the Democratic presidential race in 2028 if Kamala Harris decided to run. This statement suggests his respect for Harris, the former vice president, amidst a potential crowded field of candidates.

“I wouldn’t run if she ran,” Newsom conveyed to CNN’s Jake Tapper in an interview. “Why would I? I wouldn’t do that to her. I wouldn’t do it to you, I wouldn’t waste everyone’s time.”

Newsom highlighted the overlap between their supporters, which could lead to a complicated contest for California endorsements.

Avoiding a confrontation between two prominent California figures reduces the chances of an intense political battle. The Democrats view the stakes of the presidential race as critical, considering Harris’s potential second attempt following her 2024 defeat to President Trump.

Both Newsom and Harris have hinted at presidential aspirations. However, Harris has been discreet about her intentions, focusing on Democratic midterm victories. Her spokesperson declined to comment, while Newsom’s representatives were unavailable for a statement.

Harris enjoys a leading position in several polls, including a July survey where she ranked ahead of Newsom by a substantial margin. Despite her standing, the party debates whether voters recovering from the 2024 loss would support her candidacy.

Some prominent California donors expressed reluctance in backing Harris and showed more interest in Newsom.

The Democratic primary landscape for 2028 is shifting as party contenders vie for attention. South Carolina’s selection as the first primary state could benefit Harris significantly if Black voters there support her.

Harris and Newsom share a political era and have avoided electoral competition, progressing in parallel paths. Newsom stated on CNN that he had never impeded her ambitions and didn’t envision doing so, suggesting “fate” would guide their decisions.

Recently, Newsom visited South Carolina, hinting at preparations for a presidential campaign. During the CNN discussion, Newsom acknowledged uncertainty over Harris’s intentions, considering the argument that Harris had already pursued the presidency while he hadn’t.

Newsom emphasized that a rivalry with Harris might split supporters, advantaging other candidates and promising no beneficial outcomes. He acknowledged their shared political circles.

“I know her base of supporters, I know her friends. The [Venn] diagram on that is just pure crossover,” Newsom stated. “I wouldn’t do that.”

The interview took place in Montana, where Newsom’s relatives own a ranch, filmed while Newsom and Tapper fly-fished. The complete segment was scheduled to air on Tuesday.

Reflecting on candidacy decisions, Newsom stressed the importance of acknowledging the historical moment.

“You gotta be honest with yourself,” he remarked. “Do you represent the zeitgeist of the moment or are you wasting everybody’s time?”