AOC and the progressive wing hitched their cart to Biden and expressed zero interest in the presidency so that’s out. They were the single group keeping him in the race when it comes to party support.
Newsom has clearly tested the waters (both 2020 and 2024) and both times backed off for whatever reason, so he’s not interested in putting himself forward this time it seems.
All of this is to say this illustrates my larger point. We can’t say “they are keeping someone from running“ when no one is willing to come forward. Early in the primary sure that was a valid claim, but now? When the voice for him to step down is so loud? If somebody wants it, now is the time. So if they’re not stepping forward, that’s not the establishment. That’s their choice.