"At Present, I Will Not Hold Elected Position - My Tenure in Public Service Remains Suspended"
Kamala Harris, the former vice president and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, has announced that she will not run for Governor of California in the upcoming election [1][2]. Her decision comes after a notable, albeit unsuccessful, campaign that saw her nearly make history as the first woman elected president in the United States.
Harris' statement included that her leadership and public service will not be in elected office for now, but she did not rule out a future run [1][2]. Instead, she has spent time reflecting on the best way to continue fighting for the American people and advancing her values.
In the past, Harris has served as a prosecutor, Attorney General, United States Senator, and Vice President. Her political strength was evident in a University of California, Irvine poll earlier this month, which showed that she would be the top choice of Californians if she were to run for Governor, garnering 41% support [2].
The Democratic field for California's gubernatorial election includes several candidates, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Rep. Katie Porter, and current CA Attorney General Rob Bonta. Some of these candidates, such as Porter, had stated that their own plans were contingent on Harris' decision [2].
As for Harris' future plans, she intends to remain active in politics and public service, but not in elected office for the moment. She has hinted at pursuing bold leadership and a shift towards new methods and fresh thinking, while still adhering to the same values and principles [1][2]. Harris plans to share more details about her future plans in the coming months.
It's worth noting that it's rather rare for a former vice president to seek another office other than the presidency. However, Harris' statement suggests that she may consider a future run for office, with the term "for now" leaving room for speculation about her possible future plans [1][2].
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom was reportedly in the loop about Harris' decision not to run for Governor [2]. Developer Rick Caruso, another potential candidate, posted a photo on Instagram with Willie Brown, hinting at a potential run for governor [2].
Harris has stated that power must lie with the people and that she will continue to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all. With her decision not to run for Governor in 2026, Harris has left the door open for a potential 2028 presidential bid, sparking excitement and anticipation among her supporters.
[1] Associated Press. (2025, May 11). Kamala Harris rules out California governor run, hints at future plans. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-california-governor-election-politics-b961287f411f5f5c6021a0d24d700141
[2] ABC News. (2025, May 11). Kamala Harris announces she will not run for California governor in 2026. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kamala-harris-announces-california-governor-bid-2026/story?id=90173663
[3] Politico. (2025, May 12). What Kamala Harris' decision not to run for governor means for the 2028 election. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/newsletters/2025/05/12/what-kamala-harris-decision-not-to-run-for-governor-means-for-the-2028-election-00074094
- Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, has declared she won't seek the Governor of California position in the upcoming election.
- Harris' statement revealed that she will not lead in an elected capacity for now, but didn't completely rule out a future run.
- In her career, Harris has served as a prosecutor, Attorney General, United States Senator, and Vice President.
- In a recent University of California, Irvine poll, Harris was the preferred choice of Californians for the gubernatorial race, receiving 41% support.
- The Democratic field for California's gubernatorial election consists of several candidates, such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Rep. Katie Porter, and current CA Attorney General Rob Bonta.
- Harris seems to be interested in pursuing bold leadership and fresh thinking in her future plans, but not necessarily in an elected position immediately.
- Despite her decision not to run for Governor in 2026, Harris' supporters are speculating about a potential 2028 presidential bid, given her statement's reference to "for now."
