Kamala Harris announces if she’ll run for California governor: ‘I love this state and its promise’
Kamala Harris has made her decision regarding the race for California governor. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kamala Harris has made her decision regarding the race for California governor. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has weighed in on whether she’ll run for California governor in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
There have been months of speculation on whether the former Democratic nominee would join the 2026 gubernatorial race in the race for California governor, after she conceded the election to Trump.
Now, Harris has confirmed that she won’t be joining the race. “In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor,” Harris said via a statement to The Advocate.
“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.”
Her announcement marks a new chapter for Harris, after she has spent over two decades as a public servant as a prosecutor, California attorney general, U.S. senator, and vice president. Harris has yet to detail her future plans, but suggested that she would continue to work in national and Democratic politics.
She continued: “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 noted the current “moment of crisis” in the current political landscape in the US, and urged Democrats to welcome “new methods and fresh thinking—committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook”.
“We must recognise that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis,” she continued. “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.”
Harris added, “I will remain in that fight.”
Before Harris’ announcement, a recent University of California, Irvine poll showed the former vice president leading with 24 per cent support. This was over twice the support that her potential rival, Rick Caruso, achieved at 9 per cent. However, 40 per cent of voters were undecided.
Other Democratic hopefuls running in the race include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former State Senate President Toni Atkins, and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, who has stood by her unwavering pro-choice, LGBTQ+ and immigrant values in her campaign messaging.
