Kamala Harris‘ announcement that she would not enter the race for California governor was quickly followed by burst of praise from Democrats who’ve already launched their campaigns.
That’s a familiar ritual whenever a big name candidate decides not to run, with would-be rivals from the same party offering up kind words and likely having a sense of relief.
Harris would have entered the race as the front-runner, according to recent polls, and the Democratic field likely would have dwindled. But had she run, she would have to navigate voter discontent going into 2026.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who launched his gubernatorial bid last year just as Harris was starting her presidential run, wrote on X, “I have deep respect for Vice President Kamala Harris and her decades of leadership and public service to the people of California and our nation. Her decision not to enter the race for Governor reflects her continued commitment to serving at the highest levels of government, and I know she will continue to be a powerful voice for justice, equality, and opportunity.”
In a statement, Harris did not rule out a 2028 presidential run but said that for now, her “leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office.” She said that she would share more details of her plans in the coming months.
Another candidate, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Beccera, said that Harris’ decision “marks another important turning point for her and our state. As Vice President Harris concentrates her formidable energy and experience to uplift the prospects of the American people through other endeavors, I wish her success and know she is not done making a difference for America.”
Former Rep. Katie Porter called Harris “a principled leader and I’m proud of the work we accomplished together on consumer protection during the housing crisis and grateful for her service to California and our country. I look forward to seeing her next accomplishments and continuing our work together.”
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis called Harris “a trailblazer, a fearless fighter for justice, and a dear friend. I’ve been proud to fight by her side for decades — through her rise in California and onto the national stage — and I’ve seen firsthand how her leadership has changed lives, uplifted communities, and made California and our nation stronger.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot run for another term, wrote that Harris “has courageously served our state and country for her entire career. Whether it be as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, or Vice President she has always kept a simple pledge at the heart of every decision she’s made: For the People.”
On the other side of the aisle, Republican candidates seized on the attention to the race. Steve Hilton, the former Fox News commentator, wrote, “This is great news for California. We can now be sure that someone who has been so ineffective in all her previous roles won’t be able to make things even worse for Californians.”
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco called Harris’ announcement “the first right decision in a career full of wrong ones. Californians are tired of living in an unsafe state they cannot afford, and Kamala seems to understand that the status quo is impossible to defend.”
So far, there has been no word from Harris’ 2024 rival, Donald Trump, but it will be little surprise if he does weigh in.
