"Currently, I am steering clear of elected positions and public service roles."
Kamala Harris Steps Back from California Governor Race, Leaves Door Open for 2028 Presidential Bid
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not be running for Governor of California in the upcoming 2026 election [1]. This decision, however, has fueled speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid, although Harris has not yet confirmed her intentions [3].
In a statement, Harris expressed her desire to "get back out and listen to the American people, help elect Democrats across the nation, and share more details about [her] own plans in the months ahead" [2]. She also emphasized that power must lie with the people and that "We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all" [3].
Harris's decision not to run for governor may send shockwaves through the West Coast body politic, but it doesn't necessarily mean she's stepping away from politics altogether. According to reports, she is expected to remain politically active by supporting Democrats in key House races for the 2026 midterms [1].
The Democratic field for governor in California is already crowded, with several party stalwarts vying for the position. These include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Rep. Katie Porter, former assembly speaker Toni Atkins, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa [4].
Meanwhile, potential Democratic opponents for the 2028 presidential race are still emerging. Notably, Jon Ossoff, a U.S. senator from Georgia since 2021, is mentioned as a potential Democratic candidate [5]. The Democratic Party is also considering changes to the primary calendar that could impact the nomination process [2].
It's worth noting that Harris's decision not to run for governor in 2026 may provide her with some wiggle room for a potential 2028 White House bid, as she used the term "for now" in her statement [3]. The 2028 presidential race is still a ways off, and much can change between now and then.
In the meantime, Harris's decision not to run for governor has left a vacancy in the race, and several candidates, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Rep. Katie Porter, and current CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, had planned their own campaigns contingent on Harris's decision [4]. As the race heats up, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the frontrunner in the California gubernatorial race.
[1] New York Times [2] Politico [3] CNN [4] Los Angeles Times [5] The Hill
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