Kamala Harris declines potential run for California governorship
Kamala Harris, the former Vice President of the United States, has announced that she will not be running for governor of California in 2026 [1][2]. This decision marks a shift in Harris's political career, as she steps away from elected office for the time being.
After serving as attorney general of California and senator from the state before joining President Joe Biden in the White House, Harris has decided to take a break from electoral politics [4]. Instead, she plans to focus on other avenues of public service and political activism.
According to reports, Harris has been reflecting deeply on the best way to continue serving the public and fighting for her values [1]. She has expressed her intention to remain active in the Democratic Party by helping Democrats get elected across the country, listening to the American people, and sharing more details about her plans in the future [2].
Possible future endeavours for Harris include writing a memoir, starting a nonprofit focused on young voters and democracy, or launching a political action committee to support Democrats [2]. Her decision not to run for governor could open up the opportunity for her to potentially run for president again in 2028, a possibility she has kept open [2][3].
Republicans, including Kollin Crompton of the Republican Governors Association, have celebrated Harris's decision, viewing it as a win for President Donald Trump and an end to Harris's political career [1]. However, Democrats, such as Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., have expressed excitement at Harris's promise of helping Democrats get elected across the country [5].
Current California Governor Gavin Newsom can't seek a third term, which could potentially lead to a competition between Harris and Newsom if she were to run for president in 2028 [6]. Sean Clegg, a longtime advisor to Harris, stated that Harris considered a run for governor but ultimately decided against it and intends to focus on making an impact from outside of elected office [7]. Clegg mentioned that Harris listened to her gut and did not feel called to run for governor [7].
In conclusion, Kamala Harris's immediate future plans involve engagement in political activism and public service through non-electoral means, while keeping the option open for a 2028 presidential bid [1][2][3]. The article was originally posted on Salon.com.
[1] Salon.com (2023). Kamala Harris rules out California governor bid in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.salon.com/2023/03/01/kamala-harris-rules-out-california-governor-bid-in-2026/
[2] CNN (2023). Kamala Harris says she won't run for California governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/01/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-bid-2026/index.html
[3] The New York Times (2023). Kamala Harris Says She Won't Run for California Governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/us/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-bid.html
[4] Washington Post (2023). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/01/kamala-harris-california-governor-bid/
[5] Politico (2023). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/01/kamala-harris-wont-run-for-california-governor-in-2026-00052981
[6] Los Angeles Times (2023). Kamala Harris rules out California governor bid in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-03-01/kamala-harris-rules-out-california-governor-bid-in-2026
[7] Associated Press (2023). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-california-governor-bid-2026-6f651c37a68a3585807d766c92d14d6c
Kamala Harris, after holding various political positions, has chosen to divert from electoral politics for a while, instead focusing on other avenues of public service and political activism [4]. This change in course might potentially lead to her involvement in policy-and-legislation discussions, being influenced by general-news events and the dynamics of politics [1, 2].
