A new poll shows that more than a quarter of Democrats support the Justice Department’s investigation into California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, as the governor considers a potential White House bid in 2028.

The Daily Mail/JL Partners survey of registered voters found that 27% of Democrats either strongly or somewhat support the probe. Of those respondents, 13% said they strongly support the investigation, while 14% said they somewhat support it.

Another 39% opposed the investigation, while 32% said they neither supported nor opposed it or were unsure.

Support for the investigation was higher among independent voters, with 43% expressing some level of support. Republicans showed the strongest backing, with 70% supporting the inquiry.

Investigation Centers on Financial Matters

The federal investigation, involving the FBI and IRS, centers on tax and financial matters linked to Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit organizations. Federal agents have reportedly interviewed associates, family members, and former staff while seeking financial records.

According to reports, the investigation began before recent political developments and is being handled by the Eastern District of California.

A separate federal case involving Newsom’s former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty to fraud and tax charges, has also drawn additional attention to the governor’s political circle.

Also Read: Newsom Says DOJ Is Investigating Him and His Wife, Links Probe to Trump and White House Ambitions

However, no charges have been filed against Newsom or his wife, and authorities have released few details about the investigation.

Newsom publicly disclosed the existence of the probe on June 15, 2026, describing it as a politically motivated effort ordered by President Donald Trump to damage his future presidential prospects.

Newsom Calls Probe a Political Attack

In a video statement, Newsom argued that Trump was targeting him because of his criticism of the administration and his interest in seeking the presidency.

“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Newsom said. “He’s coming after me because I am considering running for president.”

The California governor described the investigation as a “fishing expedition” and maintained that neither he nor his wife has anything to hide.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed those allegations during a news conference.

“The only thing I’ll say about what he chose to do and what he chose to say is, I’m not sure his words are in any way grounded in fact,” Blanche said.

Newsom has emerged as one of Trump’s leading political opponents during the president’s second term, frequently clashing with the administration over issues such as immigration and climate policy. He is serving the final stretch of his second term and is barred from seeking re-election as governor.

Early 2028 Race Takes Shape

The survey also measured early Democratic preferences for the 2028 presidential nomination.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris led the field with 29% support among Democratic registered voters. Newsom followed with 15%, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg received 11%.

Also Read: Governor Newsom Secures $1B Investment, Creating Thousands of Jobs for Americans

The findings come as Democrats evaluate potential candidates for the next presidential election. Although many party leaders have defended Newsom publicly, the poll suggests a notable share of Democratic voters support allowing the Justice Department investigation to proceed.

The broader survey also found Democrats holding an eight-point advantage over Republicans among likely voters if the congressional midterm elections were held today.

Investigation Could Influence White House Ambitions

Newsom has not officially announced a 2028 presidential campaign, but he acknowledged in an interview with CBS News last year that he would be “lying” if he denied considering a run.

The ongoing investigation could influence public perceptions of his presidential prospects if it remains unresolved during the early stages of the campaign.

Neither the Justice Department nor Newsom’s office has released additional information about the status of the investigation.