"At the present, my tenure as a political leader – and my dedication to serving the public – will not involve participating in elected positions"
In a surprising announcement on Wednesday, former Vice President Kamala Harris has declared that she will not run for Governor of California in the upcoming election. Instead, she has signaled her intention to take on a broader national leadership role, leaving the door open for a potential White House run in 2028.
Harris' decision comes after deep reflection and a period of consideration that was expected to culminate in a final decision by the end of the summer. Her statement indicates that she looks forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about her own plans.
Harris stated, "For now, my leadership and public service will not be in elected office." However, she emphasized that power must lie with the people in the United States of America. She believes that our politics, government, and institutions have failed the American people, and that change through new methods and fresh thinking is needed.
Had she entered the governor's race, Harris likely would have been the frontrunner, based on recent polling and her position on the national stage. A University of California, Irvine poll earlier this month showed that Harris would be the top choice of Californians, garnering 41% support, while an unnamed Republican got 29%. A large number of voters were undecided.
The crowded field to replace the termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom won't include California's ex-senator and state Attorney General, Kamala Harris. The Democratic field for Governor of California includes Kounalakis, Porter, Toni Atkins, Xavier Becerra, and Antonio Villaraigosa, who are party stalwarts, but not as well-known as Kamala Harris. Developer Rick Caruso, former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, is said to be mulling a run for Governor of California. It is not specified if Rick Caruso has officially declared his candidacy.
Kamala Harris' current plans emphasize staying engaged in national politics, endorsing and backing candidates rather than running for state office. She has hinted at the need for bold, fresh leadership amid ongoing political crises but has not confirmed concrete presidential ambitions.
Her decision not to run for Governor of California fuels speculation about a 2028 presidential bid. Key Democratic potential rivals include Jon Ossoff, a U.S. senator from Georgia who has been listed as a possible candidate by major media outlets. There is also discussion within the Democratic Party about changing the primary calendar to influence the nomination process, which could impact how candidates strategize their campaigns.
Rick Caruso, a potential Democratic opponent, posted a photo of himself with Willie Brown, the former San Francisco mayor and Assembly powerhouse, on Instagram, hinting at a potential run for Governor.
In summary, Kamala Harris’s 2028 bid is currently speculative, fueled by her recent exit from the California governor race and her national political engagements. She is supporting Democratic efforts nationally but has not declared candidacy. Key Democratic potential rivals include Jon Ossoff, with the party actively considering changes to the primary schedule that could shape the nomination contest.
- Kamala Harris announced on Wednesday that she will not run for Governor of California in the upcoming election, choosing instead to pursue a broader national leadership role.
- Harris' decision comes after a period of deep reflection, and she has signaled her intention to get back out and listen to the American people.
- Polls suggest that had she entered the governor's race, Harris would have been the frontrunner due to her position on the national stage.
- The Democratic field for Governor of California includes several party stalwarts, but not as well-known as Harris, with developers Rick Caruso reportedly considering a run.
- Harris' current plans emphasize staying engaged in national politics, endorsing and backing candidates, but she has not confirmed concrete presidential ambitions.
- Her decision not to run for Governor of California fuels speculation about a 2028 presidential bid, with key Democratic potential rivals including Jon Ossoff.
- Rick Caruso, a potential Democratic opponent, has hinted at a potential run for Governor through social media, posting a photo with former San Francisco mayor and Assembly powerhouse Willie Brown.
