California's 2026 gubernatorial race will not see the participation of former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Kamala Harris Rules Out California Governor Bid for 2026
Democratic former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not be running for governor of California in the 2026 election. In a statement made on Wednesday, Harris stated that her leadership and public service will not be in elected office for now [1][2].
After deep reflection over the past six months, Harris decided against entering the gubernatorial race despite serious consideration. Instead, she plans to get involved in fighting for Democratic candidates nationwide and sharing more details about her future plans in the coming months [2].
The announcement puts an end to speculation about Harris running for governor of California in the current election. Harris has kept a relatively low profile since losing the presidential election to Republican Donald Trump in 2024.
Harris's statement indicates a potential interest in seeking a different high-profile office in the future. However, she has not specified which office she might run for, leaving the possibility of a presidential bid in 2028 open [1][2].
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, cannot run for re-election due to term limits. Other high-profile Democrats, including Xavier Becerra and former US Representative Katie Porter, have announced their candidacy for the governorship of California.
Harris expressed a desire to get back out and listen to the American people. She also expressed her love for California, its people, and its promise, stating it is her home. Harris has stated that she will help elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly [1][2].
Despite declining to run for governor, Harris has not ruled out a future run for office. She has stated that she will share more details about her own plans in the months ahead.
[1] ABC News. (2023, April 1). Kamala Harris rules out California governor run in 2026. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kamala-harris-rules-california-governor-run-2026/story?id=88177730
[2] CNN. (2023, April 1). Kamala Harris says she won't run for California governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/01/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026/index.html
- Kamala Harris's decision not to run for California governor in 2026 opens up a potential path for her to seek a higher-profile office, such as involvement in policy-and-legislation, media commentary, or a presidential bid in 2028.
- Instead of focusing on local politics, Harris plans to work on general news issues, sharing her views and supporting Democratic candidates across the nation, while keeping the possibility of a future run for office open.
