"Presently, my authority – and service to the public – will not stem from an elected position"
Kamala Harris, the former Vice President of the United States, has announced that she will not run for governor of California in 2026, ending months of speculation about her potential candidacy[1][4]. This decision has intensified speculation about a potential presidential run in 2028[1].
Although Harris has not directly confirmed a 2028 White House bid, she has left the possibility open by emphasizing a broader mission for bold leadership and fresh thinking[1]. Her decision to step out of the governor's race appears to be a strategic move that fuels the idea that she is positioning herself for a potential 2028 presidential campaign[1].
Harris's decision not to run for Governor may send shockwaves through the West Coast body politic, particularly as other notable figures, such as developer Rick Caruso, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, are said to be mulling a run for the position[2].
The Democratic field for California governor includes party stalwarts like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Rep. Katie Porter, former assembly speaker Toni Atkins, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa[3]. A gubernatorial race carried some risks for Harris, particularly if next year's midterms reflect another cycle of voter discontent[1].
Interestingly, Harris intends to be in the trenches for the 2026 midterms, even if she's not running for Governor. She has stated that "for now," her leadership and public service will not be in elected office[1]. This stance echoes the journeys of political figures like Richard Nixon, Walter Mondale, and Hubert Humphrey, who attempted to return to political office after serving as vice presidents. Nixon and Mondale lost their bids, while Humphrey was successful[4].
A University of California, Irvine poll earlier this month showed that Harris would be the top choice of Californians for Governor, garnering 41% support[3]. However, Harris's decision not to run for Governor leaves open the possibility of a future White House bid in 2028, a prospect that political commentators are closely watching[1].
As Harris gets back out and listens to the American people, helps elect Democrats, and shares more details about her own plans in the months ahead, the political landscape for the 2028 presidential race continues to take shape[1].
[1] CNN, "Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026, setting up possible 2028 presidential bid," 14 June 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/14/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026/index.html
[2] Politico, "Kamala Harris's 2028 presidential plans: What we know," 16 June 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/16/kamala-harris-2028-presidential-plans-00066509
[3] Los Angeles Times, "UC Irvine poll shows Kamala Harris as top choice for California governor," 2 June 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-02/uc-irvine-poll-shows-kamala-harris-as-top-choice-for-california-governor
[4] New York Times, "Kamala Harris's Decision Not to Run for Governor: What It Means for 2028," 15 June 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/15/us/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor.html
- The media is buzzing with speculation about Kamala Harris's potential presidential run in 2028, following her decision not to run for governor of California in 2026.
- Harris's intention to focus on a broader mission for bold leadership and fresh thinking indicates a possible interest in policy-and-legislation and war-and-conflicts, should she run for the presidency.
- Harris's decision not to run for Governor could have significant repercussions in the general-news sphere, given her popularity among Californians as per the University of California, Irvine poll.
- The non-elected trajectory Harris seems to be taking, with a focus on listening to the American people and helping elect Democrats, might indicate an approach similar to that of some historical political figures like Richard Nixon, Walter Mondale, and Hubert Humphrey.
