Kamala Harris Announces She Won’t Run for California Governor in 2026
In a surprising political development, Kamala Harris has confirmed she will not run for governor of California in 2026. The announcement comes less than a year after her defeat in the 2024 presidential election against Donald Trump. Her decision has already sparked intense speculation about her long-term political future, most notably, whether she plans to launch another bid for the presidency in 2028.
A Strategic Pause from Elected Office
What the world saw on the campaign trail was only part of the story.
My new book is a behind-the-scenes look at my experience leading the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.
107 Days is out on September 23. I can’t wait for you to read it: https://t.co/G4bkeZB4NZ pic.twitter.com/taUof0L4hs
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 31, 2025
In a public statement, Kamala Harris said,
“For now, my leadership and public service will not be in elected office. I look forward to getting back on the ground, listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”
While Harris has stated this is a decision solely focused on 2026, the wording of her announcement—especially the phrase “for now”—has fueled speculation that she may be preparing for a larger political move in the near future.
Preserving Her Political Options for 2028
Despite assurances from sources close to Harris that her decision is not about 2028, political analysts see this move as a strategic one. By stepping back from a gubernatorial run, Harris keeps her political options open while avoiding the risk of a contested and possibly divisive state election.
CNN political director David Chalian noted,
“She’s doing everything she can to preserve her options. We’re likely to see more of her in national Democratic campaigns over the next 18 months.”
Former adviser and Democratic strategist Adrian Elrod echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Harris is focusing on amplifying Democratic voices without holding elected office.
Kamala Harris’s Political Legacy and Future Influence
My statement on the California governor’s race and the fight ahead. pic.twitter.com/HYzK1BIlhD
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 30, 2025
Kamala Harris has had a long and impactful political career, serving as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and most recently as Vice President of the United States. Her announcement to step away from electoral politics for now doesn’t mean she’s exiting the political stage.
Elrod added,
“She wants to fight for people without going through the transactional nature of running for office.”
Instead, Harris is expected to serve as a powerful surrogate and campaigner for Democratic candidates across the country, particularly in states with key off-year elections like Virginia and New Jersey.
Democratic Landscape and 2028 Speculations
🚨 MVP KAMALA HARRIS WILL BE ON THE STEPHEN COLBERT TONIGHT!!! pic.twitter.com/1zFiiLAVHo
— rese ! (@ATTYHARRIS) July 31, 2025
While some Democrats admire her decision to step back, others believe this is a calculated move to distance herself from the Biden administration’s record and recalibrate her political brand ahead of 2028. Political commentator Jonah Goldberg remarked that Harris might be better off taking “a bunch of board seats and not thinking about running again—at least not in 2028.”
However, others believe she remains a significant force within the Democratic Party. A run in 2028 is still very much a possibility, and Harris could re-emerge as a unifying figure if she maintains her visibility and policy advocacy in the coming years.
Gavin Newsom Responds with Support
California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Kamala Harris in a tweet shortly after the announcement, highlighting their shared history in California politics.
“Kamala Harris has courageously served our state and country for her entire career… Grateful for her service and friendship and looking forward to continuing the fight in whatever the future might hold for her.”
While Newsom has previously stated he would not run if Harris did, that understanding may now be off the table, setting up a potential high-profile showdown in the Democratic primaries should both pursue national office in 2028.
