Kamala Harris officially confirms her gubernatorial ambitions in California
In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not be running for California governor in the 2026 election [1][3][4]. For now, her leadership and public service will not be in elected office.
Harris, who has served as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, U.S. senator, and vice president, expressed her dissatisfaction with the current political system, calling it "broken" [2]. She plans to step outside traditional elected positions for the time being, but remains committed to fighting for American values and serving the public.
The vice president's future plans seem to include remaining active in public service and political engagement through means other than holding elected office [1]. She may be preparing for a potential 2028 presidential run, as declining the governor's race leaves that window open [1]. Harris also intends to support public causes and values she prioritizes, continuing to "fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all" without holding an official position [1].
Harris will be staying in California with her husband Doug Emhoff, who has returned to private law practice and teaching [1]. She has neither confirmed new official roles nor detailed specific projects outside elected office, but her focus appears to be on influencing the political landscape and public policy in non-electoral ways at this stage [1][2][4].
The race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom is already crowded, with top contenders including former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Harris expressed her admiration and respect for those dedicated to public service.
Harris emphasized that power must lie with the people in the United States. She will help elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and she will continue to serve the people, even if not in an elected capacity [1][2][4]. Harris has already made history as the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.
In a statement, Harris stated that she loves California, its people, and its promise, but after deep reflection, she will not run for governor in this election [3]. She will share more details about her own plans in the months ahead. Harris indicated that she will not be pursuing elected office for the time being, but will stay engaged and help galvanize the Democratic Party.
[1] CNN, "Kamala Harris rules out California gubernatorial run," 12 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/12/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-run/index.html
[2] The New York Times, "Kamala Harris Rules Out Run for California Governor," 12 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/12/us/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor.html
[3] The Washington Post, "Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026," 12 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/12/kamala-harris-california-governor/
[4] Politico, "Kamala Harris won't run for California governor," 12 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/12/kamala-harris-wont-run-for-california-governor-00061176
- Kamala Harris, despite forgoing a run for California governor in 2026, remains committed to fighting for American values and serving the public, indicating that her future plans include focusing on influencing the political landscape and public policy in non-electoral ways.
- The vice president has expressed her dissatisfaction with the current political system, pointing out its flaws, while continuing to advocate for power to remain with the people in the United States.
- As the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president, Harris has shown her dedication to general news matters, including war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and health, as she plans to stay engaged and help galvanize the Democratic Party, shaping the landscape of politics in the country.
