Hunter Biden has added a new dimension to early 2028 political speculation, saying he would be willing to join a presidential ticket headed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, but only as the vice-presidential nominee, according to a graphic aired by WABC.
The comment comes as Newsom continues to be mentioned as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential election.
Biden has also become increasingly active in political discussions online, drawing attention from conservatives, Trump allies and Democrats debating the party’s direction in the post-Joe Biden era.
There is no indication that Hunter is organizing a national campaign or taking concrete steps toward a run for office.
Political observers view the remark largely as a headline-grabbing comment rather than a serious campaign proposal, particularly given Newsom’s established national profile and his cautious approach to discussing a possible 2028 bid.
Even so, the statement has attracted attention because Hunter Biden remains one of the most polarizing figures associated with Democratic politics.
Should Newsom move closer to launching a presidential campaign, comments such as these could become part of the broader debate over the Democratic Party’s future leadership, WABC Radio reported.
As for Newsom, a 2028 presidential bid is anything but a shoo-in at this point.
Last fall, a statewide survey shows that while some Democrats are enthusiastic about the idea of a Newsom campaign, that support fades sharply outside his state.
Among California voters overall, most – 52 percent – do not want the governor to seek the White House, CBS News reported.
Nationally, any Democrat entering the 2028 field would have to appeal to voters across multiple states.
Still, home-state sentiment offers early insight into how a candidate’s leadership is perceived by those who know them best.
Newsom’s approval rating as governor remains positive — slightly higher than the number who want him to run — suggesting his leadership within California is viewed more favorably than his potential national ambitions.
Most voters say he’s focused on both state and national issues, but fewer believe he’s paying attention to their local concerns.
By comparison, enthusiasm for former Vice President Kamala Harris was far lower at that time.
Fewer than a third of California voters — and just under half of Democrats — believe Harris should run again.
She previously represented California in the U.S. Senate and carried the state during her 2024 campaign.
Independents are broadly skeptical of both figures, but they are notably more open to a potential Newsom candidacy than a Harris return.
Beyond politics, the poll asked Californians how they think their state measures up nationally on key issues.
A majority believes California sets a good example for the nation in technology, innovation, and culture. Slightly more than half say the same about environmental policy.
That optimism disappears, however, when the focus shifts to housing, taxes, and the economy. Voters overwhelmingly describe the state’s cost of living as “unmanageable,” with concerns cutting across income levels and party lines.
Even many higher-income residents say they feel squeezed by high housing and utility costs, taxes, and everyday expenses.
With that economic pressure looming, the state’s next major political test will be the 2026 race for governor. The contest is still many months away, but voters are already weighing potential candidates.
Among Democrats, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla is the most recognized name.
Many respondents say they haven’t heard enough about most potential entrants to make a firm choice. The high level of uncertainty and “cross-consideration” — with voters weighing multiple Democrats at once — underscores how fluid the race remains.
Earlier this month, the gubernatorial primaries saw and Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton finish in the top two spots, meaning they will face off in November.
