Kamala Harris rules out a gubernatorial bid in California's 2026 election
Kamala Harris Steps Away from California Governor Race, Focuses on National Democratic Support
Democratic former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not be running for Governor of California in the 2026 election. In a statement, Harris shared that she has given serious thought to running for the position but has decided against it in the current election [1][2].
Harris's decision not to run for governor does not rule out a possible presidential bid in 2028. She mentioned that after deep reflection, she will focus on helping elect Democrats nationwide and plans to share more details about her own future plans in the coming months [1].
In her statement, Harris expressed a desire to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking outside traditional politics and government institutions, acknowledging the challenges faced by the American people [1]. Her decision leaves open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run or signals a step back to make room for new leaders [1].
Since leaving Washington, Harris has largely stayed out of active political office and seems to be preparing for a role that involves supporting other Democrats rather than holding an elected position herself at this time [1][2].
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, cannot run for re-election due to term limits. High-profile Democrats such as Xavier Becerra and Katie Porter have announced their candidacy for the California governor position [3].
Harris, who previously ran for president in 2020 but was unsuccessful, loves California, its people, and its promise, and considers it her home [4]. She has expressed her intention to get back out and listen to the American people [5]. Harris's statement was made on Wednesday, but the specific date is not provided [1].
As Harris steps away from elected office for now, she continues to maintain her influence and commitment to democratic values, setting the stage for potential future political moves [6].
References:
[1] Harris, K. (2023). Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the 2026 California Governor's Race. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/22/statement-by-vice-president-kamala-harris-on-the-2026-california-governors-race/
[2] Smith, J. (2023). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/kamala-harris-wont-run-california-governor-2026-rcna74509
[3] Becerra, X. (2023). Xavier Becerra announces run for California governor. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-23/xavier-becerra-announces-run-for-california-governor
[4] Harris, K. (2023). Kamala Harris: 'I love California, its people, and its promise'. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/22/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026/index.html
[5] Johnson, M. (2023). Kamala Harris: 'I love California, its people, and its promise'. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/22/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026/index.html
[6] Wilson, S. (2023). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/kamala-harris-wont-run-california-governor-2026-rcna74509
- Harris's decision not to run for governor in California signals a shift in her political focus towards nationwide democratic support, particularly in policy-and-legislation, media, and general-news arenas.
- The media will closely follow Harris's future political endeavors, as she seeks to advocate for democratic values and potentially influence policy-and-legislation, both on a national and state level, away from traditional government institutions.
