Gavin Newsom vs Ron DeSantis: 2028
Gavin Newsom (Democratic) and Ron DeSantis (Republican) are two of the most-discussed names for 2028 - but they have never faced each other, and no 2028 nominee has been chosen. No pollster has published a head-to-head for this exact pairing yet, so the honest answer to "who would win" is: it is far too early to know. Here is how they actually compare.
Gavin Newsom- Age (2026)
- 58
- Home state
- California
- Age in 2029
- 61
Percentages are a snapshot of the Polymarket 2028 presidential winner market (June 2026). They move constantly and mostly track name recognition this far out - they are not forecasts.
Newsom vs DeSantis 2028 polls and odds
Are there Gavin Newsom vs Ron DeSantis polls yet? Not for this exact pairing. Pollsters have begun testing some hypothetical 2028 matchups, but none has published this one. Any single "Gavin Newsom vs Ron DeSantis 2028 poll" you see today is an early, low-signal hypothetical, not a forecast.
What does exist is real, dated primary polling for each name: Gavin Newsom polled 16% in the latest Democratic primary survey on file (McLaughlin & Associates, June 17-23, 2026, 464 LV). Ron DeSantis polled 9% in the latest Republican primary survey on file (Quantus Insights, July 3-7, 2026, 480 LV). Full tables are on the 2028 polls page.
The closest real, continuously updated signal is the prediction market. Below is each candidate's current share of the Polymarket 2028 presidential-winner market - a June 2026 snapshot that, this early, tracks name recognition more than the eventual outcome.
See the full live board on the 2028 election odds page and aggregated survey averages on the 2028 polls page. These percentages are not forecasts and move constantly.
Gavin Newsom: where things stand
Term-limited California governor and front-of-pack Democrat who built a national profile countering the Trump administration. In June 2026 he said he and his wife are under federal investigation, calling it political retaliation for weighing a 2028 bid. Says he will decide seriously after the 2026 midterms.
Standing: Leads Democratic 2028 prediction markets (around a 30 percent chance of the nomination) and runs at or near the top of recent national Democratic primary polls.
Ron DeSantis: where things stand
The term-limited Florida governor and 2024 candidate has said he is open to another run. His term ends in 2027, freeing him to campaign.
Standing: Third in early 2028 Republican primary polling at roughly 11 to 12 percent in mid-2026, now trailing both JD Vance and a surging Donald Trump Jr. in several surveys.
Gavin Newsom vs Ron DeSantis: FAQ
Who would win, Gavin Newsom or Ron DeSantis, in 2028?
Are there Gavin Newsom vs Ron DeSantis 2028 polls?
Are Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis running for president in 2028?
Is this a Democrat vs Republican matchup?
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