Hunter Biden just threw a curveball into the 2028 political speculation machine. While everyone’s been wondering whether the son of former President Joe Biden might take a shot at his own White House bid, he’s made it clear that’s not where his ambitions lie—at least not if Gavin Newsom is in the race.
During an appearance on the“This is Gavin Newsom”podcast this week, Hunter revealed the only scenario where he’d consider joining a presidential ticket: as vice president, with the California governor leading the charge. When Newsom playfully introduced him as a presidential candidate, Hunter’s response steered the conversation in a different direction entirely. It’s a calculated move that says a lot about how he’s reading the political landscape heading into the next cycle.
The timing is worth paying attention to. Newsom is wrapping up his final term as California governor, and speculation about a 2028 presidential run has shadowed him for years. A Hunter-as-VP arrangement would be unprecedented in its own way—pairing the current California executive with the son of the last administration. Meanwhile, Hunter’s recent social media activity has already thrust him back into the political spotlight, suggesting he’s not ready to fade from public view.
Whether Hunter is being playful or genuinely exploring his options, his strategy is surprisingly straightforward: let someone else shoulder the heavyweight lifting while he shapes policy from the number-two spot. It’s a far cry from the traditional Kennedy-style dynasty expectations, but it’s also a shrewder read on his own political capital. The question now is whether Newsom—or any other potential 2028 frontrunner—would actually want that ticket composition.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.