Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Wednesday that she won’t run for governor of California.
Harris said she’s spent the time since her 2024 election loss “reflecting on… the best way to keep fighting for the American people” and has ruled out a run at the governor’s mansion in 2026.
“I am a devout public servant, and from the earliest days of my career, I have believed that the best way I could make a difference in people’s lives and fight for a better future was to improve the system from within,” Harris wrote. “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.”
Harris served in multiple state-level roles in California. She worked as the attorney general of California and senator from the state before joining President Joe Biden in the White House. Her decision not to run marks the first time in decades that Harris isn’t either serving in or running for political office.
“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office,” Harris said. “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.”
Current California Gov. Gavin Newsom can’t seek a third term, and many considered Harris a natural successor for the state’s top job. Should Harris’s pause be in service of a 2028 presidential campaign, she could end up in competition with Newsom, who didn’t rule out a 2028 presidential bid while speaking to the Wall Street Journal in June.
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., expressed excitement at Harris’s promise of helping get Democrats elected across the country.
“Excited about her hitting the road and traveling the country to help us flip the House and win back Congress. Let’s go!” Garcia wrote.
Sean Clegg, a longtime advisor to Harris, told the Los Angeles Times that Harris considered a run, but decided otherwise and set her sights outside of elected office.
“I think she listened to her gut. … Obviously, she saw a huge opportunity, so she had to consider it, but at the end of the day, she just didn’t feel called,” said Clegg. “I think she’s interested in exploring how she can have an impact from the outside for a while.”
Republicans also celebrated Harris’ announcement, calling it a win for President Donald Trump – and an end to her political career.
“Kamala Harris’s political career is over thanks to President Trump,” Kollin Crompton of the Republican Governors Association said in a statement. “Americans across the country can sigh in relief that they won’t have to see or hear from Kamala Harris any longer.”
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