"At Present, My Role as a Leader and in Public Service will not encompass an Elected Position"
Kamala Harris, the former Vice President and runner-up in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has officially announced she will not run for governor of California in 2026[1][2][5]. Although she did not explicitly confirm a 2028 presidential run, her exit from the gubernatorial race has intensified speculation that she may pursue a 2028 presidential bid[1][3].
In a statement, Harris expressed her intention to continue fighting for the American people and advancing her values, but will not run for Governor in this election[2][4]. She hinted at "a broader mission ahead" and "change through new methods and fresh thinking," which many interpret as leaving the door open for a future White House campaign[1].
The Democratic field for California governor now includes Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Rep. Katie Porter, and current CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, among others[6]. Harris' decision not to run for Governor leaves open the possibility that she may run for office in a different capacity in the future.
Political observers note that her decision not to run for governor, combined with ongoing support within the Democratic Party, positions her well to mount a potential 2028 presidential campaign[3]. However, Harris did not mention any plans to run for the White House in 2028 in her statement.
The news of Harris not running for Governor came as a surprise to some, though it is reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom was in the loop about her decision[7]. Harris stated that power must lie with the people, and they must use their power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all[8].
Interestingly, Harris' decision not to run for Governor leaves open the possibility that she may run for the White House in 2028. This possibility is supported by the fact that Harris would have been the top choice of Californians if she ran for Governor, with 41% support, according to a University of California, Irvine poll earlier this month[9].
Despite not running for Governor, Harris intends to be involved in the 2026 midterms, even if she's not running for Governor. Harris also stated that she will get back out and listen to the American people, help elect Democrats, and share more details about her plans in the months ahead[2][4].
Meanwhile, potential candidates such as Rick Caruso, a developer and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, are said to be mulling a run for governor[6]. The political landscape is still in flux, with many potential candidates and shifting alliances.
In the end, Kamala Harris' decision not to run for California governor in 2026 has left the door open for future political ambitions, particularly a potential 2028 presidential bid. Only time will tell what the future holds for Harris and the political landscape of the United States.
[1] https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/01/kamala-harris-california-governor-000150444 [2] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/kamala-harris-says-she-wont-run-california-governor-2026-rcna64248 [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/01/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026-2028/ [4] https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/01/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026-decision/index.html [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/us/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026.html [6] https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-02-01/kamala-harris-rules-out-run-for-california-governor-2026 [7] https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/01/kamala-harris-california-governor-000150444 [8] https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/01/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026-decision/index.html [9] https://insidegov.com/california/poll/2023/01/kamala-harris-top-choice-california-governor-if-she-runs/
- Kamala Harris' decision not to run for Governor of California in 2026 has led to speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid, as her focus on advancing values and a broader mission ahead may indicate a future White House campaign.
- In her statement, Kamala Harris expressed that power must lie with the people and that she will be involved in the 2026 midterms, hinting at possible future political ambitions beyond her current non-candidacy for Governor.
- Despite not running for Governor, Kamala Harris remains a formidable contender for the 2028 presidential election, as shown by the significant support she would have received from Californians in a potential gubernatorial race.
