Kamala Harris rules out a 2026 California gubernatorial bid
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not run for California governor in the upcoming election, choosing instead to take a break from pursuing elected office for now[1][2][5]. This decision appears to keep open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run, following her 2024 defeat.
Harris stated that her leadership and public service "for now" will not be in elected office, but she remains committed to fighting for American values outside of holding office[1][2]. Political analysts suggest that Harris is unlikely to be finished with politics, despite this hiatus. A University of Cincinnati professor noted that politicians who lose major elections often become more publicly active afterward, driven by "frustrated ambition," indicating Harris might pursue other political or public service roles in the future[4].
Harris' political career outside California has been marked by historic firsts and disappointments. In 2020, she became the Democratic presidential nominee after Joe Biden left the race and endorsed her, but she lost to Donald Trump[6]. Before serving as U.S. senator and vice president, Harris was elected state attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco[7].
If Harris were to make another White House run in 2028, she would have to convince national Democrats that she is the face of the party's future, despite losing to Trump in 2024. She would also have to navigate the baggage of being tied to Biden, whose legacy has been tarnished since leaving office[3].
The 2028 presidential contest is expected to attract a large field, which could potentially include California Governor Gavin Newsom. By declining the gubernatorial bid, Harris keeps the contest to replace Newsom wide open. She plans to get back out and listen to the American people, help elect Democrats across the nation, and share more details about her own plans in the months ahead[1][2].
References:
- Kamala Harris will not run for California governor in 2026
- Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026
- Kamala Harris' 2028 presidential prospects clouded by Biden ties
- Kamala Harris may not run for California governor, but her political future is far from over
- Kamala Harris declines California governor bid, leaving field wide open
- Kamala Harris drops out of 2020 Democratic presidential nomination race
- Kamala Harris: From district attorney to vice president
- Kamala Harris has announced that she will not run for California governor in the upcoming election, but political analysts suggest that she is unlikely to be finished with politics.
- Harris' political career has been marked by historic firsts and disappointments, including her loss to Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
- If Harris were to make another White House run in 2028, she would have to navigate the baggage of being tied to Biden and compete with a potentially large field of national Democrats vying for the party's future.
- Harris plans to get back out and listen to the American people, help elect Democrats across the nation, and share more details about her own plans in the months ahead, keeping the contest to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom wide open.
