Sitting... Not running...

Newsom on a potential 2024 run: Not going to happen

“We need to move past this notion that [Joe Biden is] not going to run,” Newsom said.

By KIERRA FRAZIER

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a message to voters who think President Joe Biden won’t run again.

“We need to move past this notion that he’s not going to run,” Newsom told NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd in an interview clip released Friday. “President Biden is going to run and I’m looking forward to him getting reelected.”

Newsom’s comments further end speculation about a potential 2024 White House bid. The California governor has long said he won’t challenge Biden for the 2024 Democratic nomination but has been talked about as a potential future presidential candidate.

Newsom’s message to donors wondering if the nominee will be someone besides Biden is: “Time to move on. Let’s go.”

“I think there’s been so much wallowing in the last few months, and handwringing in this respect,” Newsom said. “But we’re gearing up for the campaign. We’re looking forward to it.”

When asked if for some reason Biden doesn’t end up running for president, Newsom answered that Vice President Kamala Harris is the one who is “naturally lined up” for the job.

Newsom and Harris have been close for years in the political sphere, he said, rising through the ranks of San Francisco and California politics.

When asked if he would consider a run against Harris, Newsom said, “Of course not. By definition. Won’t happen.”

Newsom’s full interview with “Meet the Press” airs Sunday.