The runner up in the 2024 POTUS election won’t be running for the Golden State’s top job next year, but Kamala Harris isn’t ruling out a 2028 White House bid, yet.
After months of speculation and impressive polling, the former Vice President has made it official – she’s not going to be on the ballot to lead the Golden State. “After deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election, the ex-VP said Wednesday.
The news certainly comes as a surprise to those outside Harris’ inner circle, though sources say Gov. Gavin Newsom was in the loop of what was going on
Earlier this year around the time of the Oscars, Harris told friends and deep pocket donors that she would make a final decision on running for Governor by the end of the summer. A little ahead of schedule, today’s announcement may send some shockwaves through the West Coast body politic as all indications were that the former Veep was staffed up and ready to roll up to Sacramento. To that, the likes of Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Rep. Katie Porter, and current CA Attorney General Rob Bonta have all publicly stated their plans would be contingent on what Harris decided.
However, while the crowded field to replace termed-out Newsom won’t include ex-Senator and past state Attorney General Harris, the electorate and Donald Trump may not have seen the last of the 2024 Democratic nominee.
For one thing, as we await Trump’s inevitable condescending posting in response to his rival’s decision, Harris certainly intends to be in the trenches for the 2026 midterms, even if she’s not running.
“For now, my leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office,” the ex-VP said in a statement today (see the full statement below.) “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.”
For another thing, the use of the term “for now” gives career politician Harris that wiggle room that all contenders for the Presidency like to have if events and donation swing in their favor. With Trump constitutionally unable to run again, at least in theory, VP JD Vance looks to be the top GOP contender – a match-up that Harris and many other Democrats can barely contain themselves over.
Had she entered the race, Harris most likely would have been the front runner, based on recent polling and her position on the national stage. A University of California, Irvine poll earlier this month showed that Harris would be the top choice of Californians, garnered 41% support, while an unnamed Republican got just 29%. A large number of voters were undecided.
But even with her advantages, a gubernatorial race carried some risks, particularly if next year’s midterms reflect another cycle of voter discontent. It’s rather rare for a former vice president, much less one who has been at the top of a national party ticket, to seek another office other than the presidency.
Richard Nixon’s career was written off for dead after he ran for California governor in 1962 and lost, after serving as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s vice president. Walter Mondale sought to return to the Senate in 2002 after serving as Jimmy Carter’s vice president and lost that bid. Hubert Humphrey, Lyndon Johnson’s vice president, was successful in returning to the Senate in 1970.
So far, the Democratic field is heavy in party stalwarts, like Kounalakis and Porter – albeit they are not as well known as Harris. They also include former assembly speaker Toni Atkins, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Additionally, said to be mulling a run for governor is developer and failed LA Mayoral candidate Rick Caruso. On Instagram earlier this week, the one time Republican and Democrat posted a photo of himself with Willie Brown, the former San Francisco mayor and Assembly powerhouse, who once dated Harris. In the photo, Brown is holding up a photo of the Capitol in Sacramento. Caruso wrote on the post, “Who would’ve thought…”
Here’s Kamala Harris’ full statement on not throwing her hat in the ring to be California’s Governor:
Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation’s history, and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear.
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. And it has been a profound honor to do that work and serve the people of California and our nation—as a prosecutor, Attorney General, United States Senator, and Vice President.
In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor. 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.
I have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service—service to their communities and to our nation. At the same time, we must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis. As we look ahead, we must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking—committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook.
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.
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. I will remain in that fight.
