California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) departed from California, even amidst a continuing wildfire crisis, in order to show his support for President Joe Biden at the White House during a gathering of Democratic governors, which he could have participated in remotely.

Newsom, who is considered a potential successor to Biden as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election if the current president decides to step down following a poor debate performance, was accompanied by other potential candidates.

The roster of participants comprises Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who is occasionally cited as a potential presidential candidate, along with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, another potential future contender for the presidency. However, a number of governors are participating remotely. The reason for Newsom’s decision to attend in person remains unclear.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported:

“Newsom’s travel plans mean he will leave California as the state weathers a scorching heat wave and lawmakers are racing to place last-minute measures on the November ballot. Newsom has been a staunch ally of Biden since he launched his reelection bid. He has doubled down on his support of the president in the wake of Biden’s stumbling debate performancelast week, even as pundits have floated him as a potential presidential contender should Biden step down from the ticket. Biden plans to meet with the Democratic governors in a meeting closed to the media at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the White House. The meeting comes as calls for the president to step down grow louder and questions swirl about his fitness for office after he appeared to lose his train of thought multiple times during the debate last week.”