Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not be running for governor of California, putting an end to speculation that followed her recent defeat to President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
In a statement on Wednesday, Harris shared her love for California and reflected on her potential candidacy, saying, “In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor.
I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”
Despite her decision to step back from a gubernatorial campaign, Harris indicated her intention to remain active in public service: “For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office.
I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”
Harris’s choice appears to be strategic, aimed at preserving her chances for a potential run in the 2028 presidential election. Two sources close to Harris explained that while a gubernatorial campaign wouldn’t strictly prevent her from entering the presidential race, the demands of a statewide run were a significant factor in her decision-making process.
One source stated, “This does keep the door open for 2028.”
They added, “It was a really tough decision; she really grappled with it. She was very conflicted. She wants to have the biggest impact that she could possibly have.”
In the short term, Harris is weighing her options, which might include nonprofit work and forming a political action committee (PAC).
Additionally, she is set to campaign for other Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterms, as indicated by another source familiar with her plans.
Harris previously held statewide office in California for a decade, first as the state attorney general and later as a U.S. senator before resigning to become vice president following Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
After Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, Harris replaced him as the Democratic nominee.
A third source indicated that Harris looks forward to engaging with Californians and the broader American public, albeit as a private citizen.
They asserted that Harris had the potential for success had she chosen to run for governor, stating, “Stay tuned because she’s going to have other announcements and they’re not about 2028.”
The source also noted that she aims to remain an influential voice in national discussions, highlighting how participation in California gubernatorial debates and forums would limit that potential.
With Harris’s withdrawal, the race for California’s next governor remains open, particularly since current Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is ineligible to seek re-election due to term limits.
Numerous Democrats have entered the race to succeed Newsom, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, among others.
In this heavily Democratic state, which Harris carried by 20 points in the last presidential election, party leaders expect the governorship to remain in Democratic hands.
image source from：nbcnews
