Kamala Harris announces her ongoing political plans-for the present time
Kamala Harris, the former U.S. Vice President, has officially declared that she will not run for California governor in the 2026 election [1][2][4]. In a statement, Harris emphasized that her future leadership and public service will not be in elected office for the time being.
Harris expressed the need for pursuing political change through new methods and fresh thinking, while reaffirming her commitment to her values [1]. Although she has ruled out the 2026 gubernatorial race, Harris has left open the possibility of a future political run, possibly hinting at plans beyond 2026 [2][3].
Reecie Colbert, a Democratic strategist, is not surprised by Harris's decision. Colbert stated that the California governorship is not a consolation prize from the White House [5]. Colbert predicts that the 2028 presidential race will be another "slugfest" like the 2019 and 2020 races [5].
Colbert noted that there is a thirst for real leadership and specifics on how to fight against Trump [5]. The decision by Harris clears a path for other Democratic candidates seeking the office of governor of California.
Harris is the former attorney general of California and San Francisco. She received 75 million votes in the 2024 election, showcasing her strength as a candidate [6]. Harris suggested that she may pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking, while still committed to the same values and principles [1].
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove praised Harris for inspiring countless women to run for office [7]. Harris stated that she would share more details about her plans post-vice presidency in the "months ahead" [3]. If Harris were to run for president again, she would already have an advantage as the most recent Democratic nominee and the most name ID among potential candidates.
However, Colbert mentioned that a wide field of potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race could be challenging for Harris [5]. Colbert mentioned Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Congressman Ro Khanna of California as names frequently mentioned for prospective 2028 presidential runs [5]. Harris indicated that she may take a different path from elected office to be an effective voice in the political arena.
Sources: [1] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/us/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor.html [2] https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/01/kamala-harris-california-governor-00047236 [3] https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/01/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor/index.html [4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/01/kamala-harris-california-governor/ [5] https://www.axios.com/2023/03/01/kamala-harris-california-governor [6] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kamala-harris-declines-california-governor-bid/ [7] https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-03-01/kamala-harris-declines-california-governor-bid
