Vice President Kamala Harris declares her decision to abstain from contesting for the position of California's governor, potentially paving the path for a 2028 presidential bid.
Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, has officially ruled out running for governor of California in 2026, signalling a potential focus on a broader national role, possibly including a 2028 presidential bid [1][2]. Although Harris has not confirmed her presidential ambitions outright, her recent decisions and comments have sparked speculation about her preparing for a leadership role on a larger stage.
The Democratic primary landscape for 2028 remains undefined, but notable figures like U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia have been mentioned as possible contenders [3]. The Democratic National Committee is also engaged in strategic planning about the primary calendar, which could significantly impact candidate positioning and campaign dynamics.
A key question surrounding Harris's potential 2028 run concerns the broader challenges female candidates face in presidential races, including societal and partisan biases [2]. This factor, coupled with the competitive field and evolving primary processes, will shape Harris's prospects and the overall contest.
In her announcement, Harris stated that she loves California and considers it her home. Governor Gavin Newsom, another potential 2028 contender, issued a statement praising Harris for her service to California and the country. Harris's book, expected to advocate for change through new methods and fresh thinking, may offer insights into her political future plans.
Harris's decision to step away from the California governor race comes after speculation about her contemplating a run for the position in 2026. Before her announcement, polls showed Harris leading her nearest rival in the California governor race by double-digits. However, nearly a quarter of primary voters (23%) in the same poll were undecided about who they would back in a 2028 Democratic primary [3].
Harris served as a senator, Golden State attorney general, and San Francisco district attorney before becoming Vice President. After losing the presidential election, Harris vowed that she would not "go quietly into the night". Instead, she is reportedly expected to write a book chronicling her turbulent campaign and addressing some of the Democratic Party's shortcomings.
In a recent Emerson College poll, Harris came in second in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary, receiving 13% support. Since her defeat in the presidential election, Harris has rarely made public appearances. However, she has indicated that she will remain in the fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all, and will continue to serve in some capacity.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
