Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday she would not run for California governor in 2026, ending months of speculation that she might.
In a statement posted to her X account, Harris, who was defeated by President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, wrote: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Harris’s decision follows a long period of uncertainty about her next steps following November’s bruising defeat.
Those close to the former vice president said she had been quietly staging a political return. Some claimed that she wanted to enter the 2026 gubernatorial contest. Others said she was laying the groundwork for a third White House run.
Harris’s lack of definite answers, until now, had put the California contest on hold as other candidates in the race and deep-pocketed donors waited for her to make a move.
“Vice President Harris’ decision to not enter the California Governor’s race should not be a surprise,” Jeff Le, former deputy cabinet secretary to former Democratic California Gov. Jerry Brown, told the Washington Examiner.
“She largely spent months away from the spotlight in a will she, won’t she holding pattern that froze gubernatorial aspirants for months. The Vice President had not aggressively done the comprehensive donor and stakeholder canvassing necessary to galvanize support for a state of almost 40 million constituents, a sign of political uncertainty.
“While the Vice President’s name ID and national exposure had put her at the top of California polls, it was also clear that many of the candidates were not going to defer to her, including former Representative Katie Porter and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who declared staying in the race regardless of the VP’s decision.”
If Harris runs in 2028, she would undoubtedly face a competitive Democratic field that could include California’s current governor, Gavin Newsom.