Newsom still ensnared in 2024 rumors

It seems that the more vehemently Gov. Gavin Newsom denies he's considering a presidential run in 2024, the more insistently rumors to the contrary swirl. CNBC reported Monday that Newsom is among the highprofile Democrats contacting influential donors who helped raise money for President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign. Although the politicians — including Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris — did not explicitly ask for support, benefactors said they may be attempting to shore up financial support ahead of a possible presidential run. CNBC also reported that Newsom is among the seven governors set this week to attend a fundraiser for the Democratic Governors Association at the Santa Monica home of Heather Podesta, an influential lobbyist and longtime party fundraiser. As many as 125 people, including big-dollar donors, are expected to be in attendance.

• Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom's reelection campaign, told CNBC: Newsom “regularly participates in DGA fundraisers and believes strongly in helping Democratic governors win across the country.” Another boost to Newsom's potential campaign were the results of an (admittedly unscientific) reader survey conducted by Conor Friedersdorf, a staff writer for The Atlantic. Friedersdorf asked his newsletter subscribers if Biden should seek reelection in 2024; an “overwhelming majority” said no. Among the most frequently mentioned replacements: Newsom and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

In other election news: In a sign that California could play a pivotal role in determining which party secures control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November, five of the six candidates added Monday to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's “Red to Blue” program are running in the Golden State.