Kamala Harris is officially out of consideration for California governor in 2026.
The former vice president put the lid on rumors on Wednesday with a simple declaration: she’s not running for elected office, at least not yet. Her statement puts an end to weeks of will-she-won’t-she speculation regarding taking the helm of the Golden State but sets off a new wave of intrigue about her larger political aspirations and what her next giant leap might be.
“I am excited to return to going out and hearing from the American people, assisting in the election of Democrats up and down the country who will take on fearlessly, and discussing further in the coming months about my own future,” Harris stated, hinting she’s not stepping aside from politics even though she’s taking a step back from the ballot.
The move comes after her defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, following which Harris had been contemplating the next chapter. Running for president again in 2028 was said to be on the cards, as was a possible shift to a California governor election. But now she’s interested in a different type of influence, perhaps a new 501(c)(4) to mobilize young voters and reshape the way people receive information, or perhaps a PAC to energize Democratic candidates in key midterm elections.
Even before she jogged, Harris had been viewed as the front-runner in a still-narrowing California Democratic field that features such names as former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. Nevertheless, even with her in-state draw, some California Democrats expressed reluctance, referencing her failed presidential campaign efforts and fears that her candidacy would damage Democrats in critical House districts.
As she weighed her alternatives, Harris apparently called in for advice from former California governors and asked for internal memoranda on different directions to go. In the end, it came down to this: running for governor would draw her into hyper-local politics at a moment when she wants to remain connected to the national debate.
That transparency also appears coincidental with her scheduled book tour, which was supposed to begin this fall. Harris made the decision now, according to those close to her, so that she could completely immerse herself in her other projects without being anchored on a campaign trail.
“I have great admiration and respect for those who commit their lives to public service – service to their country and to our nation,” she added in her statement. “But we must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people. We must be willing to seek change through new approaches and fresh ideas.”
So what’s next? That’s still to be determined. People who are close to Harris say this is not a confirmation that she will run again for president, but they also add that she’s keeping the door open deliberately. Following her return from a visit to the UK for the wedding of Laurene Powell Jobs’ daughter, Harris informed friends that she’s thinking of having more influence “from the outside.”
The message is unmistakable: Kamala Harris still desires a voice in the country’s direction, she simply doesn’t have to appear on a ballot to have it. As she prepares to potentially start a PAC, head into the battleground states, and invest in Democrats during the 2026 midterm elections, don’t write her off. She’s simply playing a longer game of chess.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
