Incumbent Harris exhibits minimal enthusiasm for assuming California's governorship role.
KAMALA HARRIS AND THE GOVERNORSHIP CONundrum: Should the Former Vice President Pursue California's Top Seat?
SACRAMENTO - Who will replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom in California's 2026 gubernatorial race? While Kamala Harris has been entertained as a frontrunner, a more revealing query is whether she should take on the position.
Initial predictions would place Harris at an advantage given her potential popularity for the gubernatorial seat. However, the decision should not be based solely on her election prospects but rather on the specific strategies, objectives, and ideas she would bring to the table.
Harris ought to see the position not as a consolation prize, but rather as a path to tackling California's extensive issues head-on. Awaiting the role of California's chief executive in the state Capitol and grappling with budget minutiae and inexperienced legislative leaders may not appeal to Harris' ambitions.
To date, Harris has not presented any notable signs of such qualities that California requires in its next governor, neither in her role as a U.S. senator nor as the state's attorney general. As attorney general, Harris opted against expressing her position on crucial ballot issues, including those pertaining to her role as California's top cop—propositions relating to harshening criminal sentences, the death penalty, and its abolition.
Harris has often been cautious regarding actions that might antagonize key interests for her political career. California, however, needs a governor who is not afraid to champion controversial, yet necessary policy changes.
Although Harris is not running for office at this juncture, residents across the Golden State should express concern about the state's critical problems. For example, the median home price in March reached $884,000, out of reach for many working-class families. This situation can be largely attributed to over-regulation, slow permit issuance, and misuse of the state's environmental protection laws.
A strong movement in the legislature aims to streamline regulations, but this remains a contentious issue. It is crucial that Harris, or any other potential gubernatorial candidate, articulate their stance on this matter.
In the aftermath of wildfires, homeowner insurance rates are surging in fire-prone regions, with traditional policies becoming impossible to secure in many cases. The incoming governor should prioritize addressing this issue to provide Californians with adequate protection and security.
California's poverty rate is the country's highest even when accounting for the cost of living, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Despite billions spent and acrimonious finger-pointing among Newsom and local officials, California remains home to 187,000 homeless individuals – a 35% increase over the past 17 years – the highest number in the nation, partly due to its vast population.
Additionally, gasoline prices in California are approximately $1.60 higher per gallon than the national average. With two oil refineries planning to shut down, pump prices may further increase.
California is a high-tax state, a fact that Gov. Newsom often denies. Over-reliance on affluent taxpayers can lead to volatile budget deficits and surpluses depending on the stock market. It is essential that state taxes are modernized for financial stability.
One of California's historical problems is the scarcity of water compared to its demand. Harris' thoughts on this matter remain unclear.
At present, the seven leading Democratic candidates have been mostly silent on contentious matters that might aggravate party interest groups. One exception is former Los Angeles Mayor and state Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, who has demonstrated boldness by addressing issues many of his rivals avoid.
Harris has hinted at her potential run by the end of summer 2026. Speculation exists regarding her possible follow-up presidential bid in 2028 or departure from politics to pursue private ventures.
In the meantime, Antonio Villaraigosa has been critical of Harris and other gubernatorial candidates, including former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, for their inaction on issues such as Biden's cognitive abilities. While Harris may seem vulnerable on this topic, it is essential to note that publicly questioning one's boss on cognitive abilities would likely entail immediate censure, casting Harris as self-serving in doing so.
Harris could win over voters by expressing concerns about California's challenges, as state Democrats seek a leader who focuses on tangible solutions rather than attacking former President Trump. If Harris were to run, her broad name recognition, past electoral successes in California, and fundraising prowess could make her an initial favorite. Yet, there appears to be scarce public enthusiasm for her candidacy.
Harris needs to articulate reasons for her possible gubernatorial aspirations to win over skeptics. If she were to run, it is important she demonstrates her ability to lead the state and address the myriad issues it faces. Otherwise, she risks being perceived as a presidential campaign retread rather than a constructive force for California's future.
- Kamala Harris' potential entry into California's 2026 gubernatorial race is a matter of speculation, with the former vice president considered a frontrunner, but the question is whether she should pursue the position.
- Rather than solely considering her election prospects, Harris should consider the strategies, objectives, and ideas she would bring to the table as California's governor.
- Although Harris has been cautious in her political career, California requires a governor who is not afraid to champion controversial yet necessary policy changes.
- Issues such as the expensive housing market, over-regulation, wildfires, California's high poverty rate, and the rising homeowner insurance rates in fire-prone regions are critical problems that any potential gubernatorial candidate must address.
- The incoming governor should prioritize modernizing state taxes for financial stability, especially considering California's high-tax status and the volatile nature of budget deficits and surpluses due to stock market fluctuations.
- On matters of policy and legislation, it is important for Harris, or any other potential gubernatorial candidate, to articulate their stance on contentious issues such as streamlining regulations, addressing the water shortage, and the future of California's reliance on affluent taxpayers.
