Politician Kamala Harris Chooses to Abstain from California Governor Race in 2026, Instead Hinting at New Professional Venture
Kamala Harris Rules Out 2026 California Gubernatorial Run
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not be running for governor of California in 2026, marking a significant decision in the state's political landscape. Harris, who was born in Oakland, California, and spent much of her life in the state, had been rumored to be considering a gubernatorial campaign following her 2024 presidential election defeat.
Harris' life and career began in California, where she attended law school after moving around in her childhood and attending undergrad in Washington, D.C. She won a seat in the Senate in 2016, becoming the second Black woman and first South Asian American U.S. senator. Harris joined Democratic nominee Joe Biden as his running mate in 2020 and together, they defeated incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence to win the White House.
If Harris had joined the gubernatorial race, she would likely have cleared the field, as left-leaning candidates would face pressure to step aside. However, Harris has decided against running for governor of California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited in 2026.
In a statement, Harris indicated that her future leadership and public service will not be in elected office for now. Instead, she plans to focus on listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation, and will share more details about her future plans later.
Harris has been largely out of the public eye since losing the 2024 presidential election, living in Los Angeles and contemplating her next steps. Reportedly, she planned to make her decision about a gubernatorial bid by the end of summer 2025, but has now ruled out a run for the California governorship.
Other strong Democratic candidates for California governor include former California State Controller Betty Yee and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Harris' decision not to run for governor opens up the race for these and other contenders.
In the meantime, Harris has kept some of her most senior White House aides with her when she formed her new Pioneer49 organization. She has also reportedly planned to write a memoir and potentially launch a nonprofit focused on young voters and democracy or a political action committee to support Democrats. Leaving the door open for a possible presidential bid in 2028, Harris stated that Democrats will need to embrace "fresh thinking" and not be "bound by the same playbook" moving forward.
References:
- NPR
- Politico
- The Hill
- Los Angeles Times
- The decision of Vice President Kamala Harris not to run for California governor in 2026 reshapes the state's political arena.
- Harris, a native Californian, spent her youth migrating and attended undergraduate studies in Washington, D.C.
- After law school in California, Harris rose through the ranks of politics, becoming a senator in 2016.
- Joining Joe Biden as his running mate in 2020, Harris helped secure the presidency for the Democrats.
- Had Harris decided to run for governor, she would have been a strong contender, potentially clearing the field for other candidates.
- However, Harris has elected to step away from elected office for the time being.
- In a statement, Harris shared her intention to focus on listening to the American people and helping Democrats across the nation.
- Since losing the 2024 presidential election, Harris has been living in Los Angeles and contemplating her future in personal growth and career development.
- Media outlets like NPR, Politico, The Hill, and Los Angeles Times have reported on Harris' plans for the future.
- Reports indicate that Harris will keep some of her White House aides with her as she moves forward with her new Pioneer49 organization.
- Harris is also considering writing a memoir and potentially launching a nonprofit or political action committee to support Democrats.
- The race for California governor is now open, with former California State Controller Betty Yee and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as notable Democratic candidates.
- Education and self-development, mindfulness, and goal-setting will likely play a role in Harris' future endeavors beyond elected office.
- Embracing lifelong learning and skills training, Harris hinted at a possible presidential bid in 2028, encouraging Democrats to break free from the same playbook.
- Harris' decision not to run for governor could have implications for policy and legislation in California.
- Migration, war, and conflicts around the world may factor into Harris' future plans for public service.
- Online education and job search platforms may become more important for Harris as she moves away from elected office.
- Accidents, crime and justice, and fires may also be issues of interest for Harris, given her political background.
- Sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and mixed martial arts, could offer opportunities for Harris to connect with the public and support a cause.
- European leagues, the NBA, the Masters, the Grand Prix, horse racing, tennis, and sports analysis could be areas of focus for Harris' Pioneer49 organization.
- Auto-racing and premier leagues, like the Premier League and the WNBA, could also capture Harris' interest.
- Sports-betting and the impact on policy and legislation could be another aspect that Harris invests her time in.
- In this new chapter of her life, Harris will continue her journey of learning, growth, and leadership.
