Kamala Harris's Rumored 2026 California Governor Run and speculations for 2028
Kamala Harris advances in her political comeback journey
Chatting it up on 'Fox & Friends Weekend,' Charlie Hurt and contributing writer Steve Hilton muse over Kamala Harris's potential bid for California's governorship in 2026.
With Kamala Harris headlining a swank Democratic National Committee fundraiser in New York City, the buzz is heating up. This happening as Harris weighs her options for her political future after the 2024 election defeat to Donald Trump.
From battling in the Democrat primary to the presidential race, now a run for California governor in 2026 and another presidential tilt in 2028 could be on the horizon.
The glitzy bash, where hefty ticket prices reach upwards of $25,000 per person, follows the party's disappointing performance in the 2024 elections, losing control of the White House, the Senate, and falling short of regaining the House majority.
DNC's Plan to Kickstart the Political Machine
DNC committee member and veteran Democratic strategist Maria Cardona notes Harris' appeal, describing her as a "beloved figure" in the Democratic Party. With the DNC determined to bring voters together and build excitement for the coming battles, using Harris, along with other elected officials and former administration officials, seems a shrewd move.
Meanwhile, just a day earlier, Trump had helped gather big bucks as he headlined a gathering of major donors at one of his golf courses in Virginia for MAGA Inc., the top Trump-aligned super PAC during the 2024 election cycle.
First Steps Post-2024 Defeat
Harris, back on the political scene, took the chance to attack Trump's economic agenda, suggesting that his controversial tariffs could lead to a recession. Harris has been meeting with advisors and friends as she deliberates her political future. Two months ago, sources revealed that Harris had told allies she would decide by the end of summer on whether to launch a 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
If Harris does decide to run, she would be the clear front-runner in California's heavily Democratic race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
*CALIFORNIA GOVT RACE: HARRIS FRONTRUNNER?*
Having served as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, and U.S. senator before joining Biden’s ticket, Harris could capitalize on her extensive political experience and local connections. Harris’s success in the gubernatorial race might limit her potential for a future 2028 White House run, with the pressure of leading California’s fifth-largest economy and the world’s most populous state.
Yet, Harris's delayed decision to declare her candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race has drawn criticism from other Democratic contenders, who express concern about California's readiness for looming policy battles.
*OUTSIDE SHOT FOR 2028?*
With Harris's potential run for California governor stirring up discussions, speculation is also swirling about her possible presidential bid in 2028. While no decisions have been made, Harris’s national profile, potential executive experience, and popularity present an intriguing prospect for the future. However, early losses in the 2024 primary and a divisive primary in California might put a damper on her ambitions.
Reality check!Paul Steinhauser, our politics reporter based in the swing state of New Hampshire, covers the campaign trail coast to coast.
- Steve Hilton and Charlie Hurt, discussing on 'Fox & Friends Weekend', express their opinions about Kamala Harris's potential run for California's governorship in 2026.
- With the Democratic National Committee (DNC) determining to build excitement for future political battles, they are using Harris, along with other elected officials and former administration officials, as part of their strategy, according to DNC committee member Maria Cardona.
- Following her defeat in the 2024 presidential election against Donald Trump, Kamala Harris has been meeting with advisors and friends, with sources revealing that she had told allies she would decide by the end of summer on whether to launch a 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
- In case Harris decides to run for California governor, she would be the clear front-runner in California's heavily Democratic race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, given her extensive political experience and local connections.
- Although Harris's potential run for California governor in 2026 has drawn criticism from other Democratic contenders, speculation remains high that she may seek the presidency in 2028, given her national profile, potential executive experience, and popularity.
