Kamala Harris announces she will not run for California governor

July 30, 2025

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced she will not run for California governor in 2026 after giving the decision "serious thought" and "deep reflection. " Harris stated her leadership will not be in elected office for now, though she plans to remain politically active by helping elect Democrats and will share more about her future plans in the coming months. Her decision leaves open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run while creating space in a crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary that already includes numerous high-profile candidates such as Lt.

Who is affected

California voters who would have had Harris as a gubernatorial candidate option
Current Democratic candidates in the California governor's race who now face one less high-profile competitor
Democrats nationally who are charting their path forward for the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election
Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and may have future political aspirations
California residents who will ultimately be governed by whoever wins the 2026 gubernatorial election

What action is being taken

Harris is explicitly not running for California governor in 2026
Harris is planning to "get back out and listen to the American people"
Harris is helping elect Democrats across the nation
Multiple Democratic candidates are actively competing in the California governor's race
The Trump administration is conducting immigration raids in Southern California and has sent National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles

Why it matters

Harris's decision affects the landscape of the 2026 California gubernatorial race by removing a high-profile potential candidate
Her choice preserves the possibility of a 2028 presidential run without the complications of serving as governor
The decision comes amid tensions between California and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement
Harris's statement signals her continued political involvement despite not seeking elected office at this time
The gubernatorial race features California's unique all-party primary system where the top two finishers advance regardless of party

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th