During a question-and-answer session following the California–Denmark signing ceremony in San Francisco, Governor Gavin Newsom addressed questions about how California differs from former President Donald Trump, his conversations with former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his confidence in a forthcoming redistricting ballot measure.

"Our approach is a little different from that perspective," Governor Gavin Newsom said when asked how California would show it is a stable, reliable partner distinct from former President Trump, adding that California's approach emphasizes "an open hand, not a closed fist" and an emphasis on pluralism, inclusion and a robust public higher-education system.

When asked directly whether he would be the lead Democratic candidate against Trump, Newsom said, "I don't know," and declined to make a commitment on a potential presidential run.

Reporters asked several questions about a proposed redistricting measure. Newsom said he met with former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week and described their conversation as a lengthy, "fantastic" discussion in which they found "more areas of agreement than disagreement." He said the legislature had moved quickly to place a special election on Nov. 4 and expressed confidence that voters would approve the measure.

"I have all the confidence in the world that we're going to succeed," Newsom said, adding that the more voters learn about the proposal, the more likely they are to support it. He also told reporters that Trump-aligned forces would spend heavily to defeat the initiative, saying opponents were likely to spend "upwards of a $100,000,000" to oppose it.

Reporters at the event noted recent public polling and opposition spending on mailers; Governor Newsom disputed that national opposition meant success was unlikely and reiterated that he expected the measure to pass.

Newsom also referenced California's politics during the exchange and repeated that his administration views redistricting as a transparent, temporary and democratic exercise. He did not outline further campaign plans or new policy actions during the Q&A.