'Dumbest candidate will win': JD Vance mocks Harris–Newsom 2028 face-off — Here's what he said

Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris. One party, two frontrunners—and according to United States vice president JD Vance's prediction, may the “dumbest” candidate win. Yes, he actually said that.

In an interview with Fox News, Vance, slamming both the candidates, said that Harris is not qualified to be the US president, and called the California Governor "corrupt and incompetent."




When asked who will win for the Democrats race, Gavin or Kamala, Vance said, "The dumbest candidate will probably win, that's my guess, with the Democratic Party. I mean, look, the Democrats have a couple of big issues, and one is that they lean so far into wokeism that they can't see the obviousness of the fact, which is that Kamala Harris is not qualified to be President of the United States. That's why she got the vice presidential nomination. That's why she got the presidential nomination."



"This is who Kamala Harris is. Now, the flip side is, I think you have an unbelievably corrupt and incompetent governor in Gavin Newsom. The fact that those are the two frontrunners just suggests how deeply deranged the Democrat Party is. Let them fight it out," he added.

Democratic nominee race: Gavin Newsom Vs Kamala Harris

As the 2028 presidential race slowly comes into view, two of California’s most powerful Democrats—Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom—appear headed toward a potential showdown that could test friendships, loyalties and donor networks across the party.

While both insist nothing is imminent, their moves suggest mutual awareness and quiet preparation. Newsom has told allies he is considering a White House run after leaving office in January 2027, while Harris remains publicly noncommittal, calling 2028 “three years from now.”

Behind the scenes, however, Harris has taken steps that resemble early campaign positioning, including setting up a political action committee, reconnecting with newly elected Democrats nationwide and purchasing her own email list for roughly $7 million. Newsom’s allies, meanwhile, question whether Harris will run at all, citing her memoir 107 Days, which ruffled feathers within Democratic circles.

Polls show Newsom currently enjoys more enthusiasm among California voters, but Harris retains deep institutional ties and national recognition. Should both enter the race, consultants, donors and advisers—many of whom have worked for both—could be forced into uncomfortable choices. For now, the rivalry remains polite, personal and quietly combustible.