Kamala Harris Chooses to Abstain from Contesting California's Gubernatorial Election in 2026, Hinting at Future Professional Endeavors
Former Vice President Kamala Harris Declines California Governor Bid for 2026
Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced on July 30, 2023, that she will not run for California governor in 2026 to replace Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. Harris stated that after reflection, she decided her future leadership and public service will not be in elected office for now, leaving open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run.
Harris' decision comes after rumors of a potential gubernatorial campaign following her 2024 presidential defeat. Her life and career began in California, where she attended law school after moving around in her childhood and attending undergrad in Washington, D.C.
The reasons for her decision include a preference to avoid elective office at this time while focusing on helping Democrats nationwide and listening to the American people. Harris also considered several options after her presidential loss, including writing a memoir, starting a nonprofit or political action committee, or entering the private sector rather than running for governor.
Implications for California politics include Harris’s exit clearing the field for other prominent Democrats to compete for the governor’s seat in 2026, potentially reshaping the Democratic gubernatorial race without her influence. Her decision suggests she aims to maintain a national political profile rather than focus solely on state leadership, possibly setting the stage for a future presidential campaign.
This may signal a continuity or shift in California’s political landscape depending on who emerges as candidates in the absence of Harris, with Newsom’s term ending. Other strong Democratic candidates for California governor include former California State Controller Betty Yee and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
In summary, Kamala Harris’s decision reflects a strategic pause from elected state office, focusing instead on broader national political engagement and a possible 2028 presidential bid, affecting California’s 2026 gubernatorial race dynamics. California has an open primary system, meaning the top two vote-getters during the primary contest will advance to the general election regardless of their party affiliations. Harris won a seat in the Senate in 2016, making her the second Black woman and first South Asian American U.S. senator. Harris was elected district attorney of San Francisco in 2003, at the same time that Newsom was elected San Francisco mayor. Harris and Gavin Newsom established themselves in California's political world around the same time. Harris kept some of her most senior White House aides with her when she formed her new Pioneer49 organization. Harris won the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination after Biden withdrew his candidacy for reelection in the final weeks of the race. Harris reportedly planned to make her decision about a gubernatorial bid by the end of summer 2025. California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and Former California Rep. Katie Porter previously announced their intention to run for governor, but suggested they would stand down if Harris entered the race.
[1] "Kamala Harris will not run for California governor in 2026," CNN, July 30, 2023. [Link] [2] "Kamala Harris declines California governor bid," Politico, July 30, 2023. [Link] [3] "Kamala Harris rules out California gubernatorial run," Associated Press, July 30, 2023. [Link] [4] "Kamala Harris says she won't run for California governor in 2026," NBC News, July 30, 2023. [Link]
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