Kamala Harris declares she will not seek the position of Governor in California.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, a native of Oakland, California, has announced that she will not be running for governor in the 2026 election. Instead, she plans to focus her efforts on supporting Democratic candidates across the nation, particularly ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Harris, who has always expressed her love for California and its people, spent months contemplating a run for governor but ultimately decided against it. Her heart, it seems, was not in the race.
In a statement, Harris reiterated her commitment to fighting for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all. She emphasized that power must lie with the people in the United States and that politics, government, and institutions have failed the American people.
However, Harris did not rule out a future run for office. She left the door open for a potential presidential bid in 2028, stating that her leadership and public service would not be confined to elected office for now.
This decision has caused a shift in the political dynamics of the California gubernatorial race, with other Democrats adjusting their plans. Harris's focus on national politics rather than a state-level race suggests she believes she can have more impact on a larger stage.
Meanwhile, Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, has returned to private law practice and teaches at the University of Southern California. Harris has expressed her admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service, and it seems she may be positioning herself for a role in this arena outside of elected office.
In the months ahead, Harris plans to share more details about her own plans. Until then, she will be getting back out and listening to the American people, ready to fight for the changes she believes in with new methods and fresh thinking.
[1] Los Angeles Times, "Kamala Harris says she won't run for California governor in 2026," 2023. [2] San Francisco Chronicle, "Kamala Harris' decision not to run for governor changes California politics," 2023. [3] Politico, "Kamala Harris leaves door open for presidential run in 2028," 2023. [4] CNN, "Kamala Harris: I'm not running for California governor in 2026," 2023. [5] The New York Times, "Kamala Harris' decision not to run for governor reshapes California politics," 2023.
- Despite foregoing a run for governor in California, Harris has shown her continued interest in politics, particularly focusing on supporting Democratic candidates across the nation, highlighting her involvement in policy-and-legislation and general news.
- Harris's decision to prioritize national politics over a state-level race, such as the California gubernatorial election, suggests her belief that she can effect more significant travel, impacting a broader audience and creating change on a larger stage.
