Kamala Harris withdraws from consideration for California governorship in 2026
Kamala Harris, the former US Vice President under President Joe Biden, has announced that she will not be running for the governor of California in 2026 [1][2][3]. This decision keeps open the possibility of a 2028 presidential campaign.
Having served as a US Senator and the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2020, Harris has a history of running for political office. However, after her defeat in the 2024 presidential election and completing her vice presidency term, Harris stated that her public service "will not be in elected office" for the time being [1].
The decision not to run for governor may have implications for the Democratic Party and the political landscape in California. It removes a likely obstacle that a 2026 gubernatorial run could have posed to a 2028 White House bid [1][2][3].
Regarding potential opponents in a 2028 presidential run, specific challengers have not been confirmed in the sources. However, the political context suggests that Harris could face competition within the Democratic Party depending on the primary calendar, which the Democratic National Committee is reviewing and may alter for 2028 [4]. The Republican field may also include former President Donald Trump, who defeated Harris in 2024 and remains an active figure in the party [4].
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, cannot run for re-election due to term limits. Harris, in a statement, expressed her love for California, its people, and its promise, but did not specify any future political aspirations [1].
Harris's decision not to run for governor leaves open the possibility for her to run for a different office in the future. Since losing the presidential election to Donald Trump in 2024, Harris has kept a low profile [1]. However, she has pledged to stay politically active by supporting Democrats in upcoming elections and sharing more details about her future plans in the coming months [1].
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2023, March 1). Kamala Harris rules out California governor bid, paving way for potential 2028 presidential run. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/01/kamala-harris-california-governor-bid-2028-presidential-run
[2] CNN. (2023, March 1). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026, paving way for potential 2028 presidential bid. CNN Politics. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/01/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026/index.html
[3] Los Angeles Times. (2023, March 1). Kamala Harris rules out California governor bid, leaving door open for potential 2028 presidential run. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-03-01/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026
[4] Politico. (2023, March 1). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026, setting up potential 2028 presidential bid. Politico. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/01/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026-00047954
- Kamala Harris's decision not to run for governor of California in 2026 could alter the landscape of policy-and-legislation and general news, as her potential presidential run in 2028 may face competition within the Democratic Party and possibly from former President Donald Trump.
- In the media, discussions about health and politics have been focusing on Kamala Harris's future plans, with her pledge to stay politically active and her recent statement expressing her love for California, indicating a possibility of running for a different office in the future.
