Were CA Wineries Ordered to Close Indoor Operations While Newsom's Remained Open?

Gavin Newsom became California's governor in January 2019. Four years later, voters reelected him to a term that ends in 2027. After that, some people believe a presidential campaign is in his future. As of this writing, prediction market company Polymarket showed Newsom as leading the race to become the Democratic Party's next presidential nominee (archived).

Three years ago, during former U.S. President Joe Biden's presidency, Newsom called such speculation "fodder." However, in June 2025, he reportedly told the Wall Street Journal that although he is "not thinking about running" for president, it was "a path that [he] could see unfold." What transpires next remains to be seen, but this is one of many rumors that have involved the California governor since he assumed office.

Snopes has investigated numerous such claims regarding Newsom, some dating back as far as the COVID-19 pandemic. Now he's considered a front-runner for the Democratic ticket, his name will likely feature in more of our fact checks. But below is a sample of what we've looked into about him so far.