*Former Vice President Kamala Harris has decided against running for California governor in 2026.
After months of contemplation, she announced on Wednesday, “For now, my leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office.”
Harris expressed her intent to focus on engaging with Americans and supporting Democratic candidates nationwide. Harris reflected on the state of politics, stating, “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.”
She emphasized the need for innovative approaches, saying, “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.”
Her decision opens the field for other prominent Democrats vying for the governor’s seat, as Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited. Candidates include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Secretary of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Rep. Katie Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, among others. California’s all-party primary system will see the top two candidates advance to the general election.
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Meanwhile, Harris remains a strong contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, leading with 36% support in a recent Morning Consult poll. Trailing her are Pete Buttigieg with 10%, and Gavin Newsom, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Tim Walz, each with 5%. Democratic donors, however, express caution about the 2028 race, citing concerns over voter enthusiasm and fundraising challenges.
One donor told ABC News that the country will likely shift in a more conservative direction by 2028.
“I think the country will not have moved in a progressive direction during that time, it will have become more conservative,” the person, who remained anonymous, told the outlet, noting that Harris is “done.”
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Harris needs to decide ‘now’ whether she will run for office.
“The challenges are too big. We deserve a real conversation,” Villaraigosa said. “We had a 100-day campaign. So no, you can’t get in at the end of the rainbow. Get in now.”
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