Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not pursue a bid for California governor in the upcoming 2026 election, a decision that leaves open the possibility of a third run for the White House in 2028.
“Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation’s history and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear,” Harris stated. “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.”
This decision prolongs the speculation surrounding Harris’s political future, which has been a topic of discussion since her loss to Donald Trump in the last presidential election. Harris, who attended Trump’s inauguration after her defeat, has spent considerable time contemplating her next steps, whether to re-enter the political arena or explore other avenues.
Political Future in Limbo
Harris has not completely ruled out another presidential bid, despite her unsuccessful campaigns in 2020 and 2024. Her latest decision not to run for governor extends the period of uncertainty regarding her political ambitions. “Our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis,” she remarked, without directly referencing Trump.
At present, Harris plans to remain active in public service outside of elected office. “In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and the dignity of all,” she declared, emphasizing her commitment to continue the fight for these values.
Potential Impact on California Politics
Had Harris decided to run, she would have been a formidable contender in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, given her high name recognition and proven track record in statewide elections. However, the question of whether she was interested in returning to state politics after years on the national stage remained unanswered.
Democratic strategist Sean Clegg, a long-time adviser to Harris, noted that she was tempted by the idea of a gubernatorial run but ultimately decided to explore other options. “She’s been in elective office for 22 straight years, she’s been in public service since she got out of law school,” Clegg said. “Having spent her entire life inside the system, she’s more motivated, more excited by the opportunity to make change outside of the system.”
Looking Ahead: Another Presidential Bid?
Outside of California, Harris’s career has been marked by both historic achievements and significant setbacks. She made history as the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president after Joe Biden selected her as his running mate. However, her presidential campaigns have faced challenges, including her early exit from the 2020 Democratic primary race.
If Harris chooses to run for president again, she will need to convince national Democrats of her viability as a candidate despite her previous losses. Her association with Joe Biden, whose presidency faced criticism and declining approval ratings, could also pose challenges.
“Her decision, at the end of the day, it was just a gut decision,” Sean Clegg added. “She asked herself, ‘Do I want to go back into the system as the top elected official in California, or do I want to try to do something completely different?'”
The 2028 presidential race is expected to be highly competitive, with potential candidates like Gavin Newsom possibly entering the fray. The Democratic Party faces the challenge of unifying its base and countering Trump’s agenda, which has gained momentum in Washington.
In her most extensive public remarks since leaving office, Harris criticized Trump’s leadership as a “wholesale abandonment” of American ideals. Her decision not to run for governor keeps the field wide open for other Democratic hopefuls, including former US Representative Katie Porter and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Villaraigosa speculated that Harris’s political journey is far from over. “Her decision reflects her continued commitment to serving at the highest levels of government,” he stated.
