Vice President Kamala Harris decides not to run for governor of California
The vice president gave "serious thought" to a campaign but opted against it. A person close to her said her decision "does keep the door open" for a potential 2028 presidential run.
Vice President Kamala Harris has decided against running for governor of California, she confirmed Wednesday, ending months of speculation following her run against Donald Trump in last year’s presidential election.
“Over the past several months, I’ve spent time seriously considering whether I should ask the people of California for the honor of serving as their next Governor,” Harris said in a written statement. “My love for this state, its citizens, and its promise runs deep. This is my home. But after much reflection, I’ve chosen not to pursue the governorship in this election.”
“At this point, my commitment to leadership and public service will take a form outside of elected office,” she added. “I’m excited to reengage with the American public, support Democrats who are willing to fight with conviction, and reveal more about my plans in the coming months.”
Two individuals close to Harris said she hopes to maintain the option of launching a presidential bid in 2028. While a gubernatorial campaign wouldn’t technically prevent a future White House run, the restrictions and demands of a statewide campaign factored heavily into her decision.
“This definitely leaves the door open for a 2028 run,” one of the individuals close to Harris said.
That person noted Harris reached her decision after months of discussions.
“It wasn’t an easy choice; she truly struggled with it. She felt torn,” the person added. “She wants to create the greatest possible impact.”
A source familiar with Harris’ thought process said she met with a close group of advisers about a month ago in Los Angeles to make the final decision.
“The options were: not running for governor, skipping a campaign to prepare for 2028, or stepping back entirely from elected roles. The vice president ultimately made the call on her own,” that individual explained.
In the immediate future, Harris is weighing involvement in nonprofit efforts and possibly starting a political action committee, said another source close to her. She’s also expected to campaign on behalf of other Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, one source added.
Harris held statewide office in California for a decade — first as the state’s attorney general, then for four years as a U.S. senator — before resigning to assume the role of vice president following Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election. She then stepped in as the Democratic nominee for president last year after Biden exited the race.
A third individual close to Harris, who spoke with her Wednesday, said she’s looking forward to engaging with Californians and Americans more broadly — but now as a private citizen. That person emphasized Harris had a viable path to victory had she chosen to run for governor.
“Stay tuned, because she’s going to have more announcements — and they’re not centered on 2028,” the individual said.
“She still wants to play an active role in the national conversation, particularly around Donald Trump, and local debates or forums in California wouldn’t allow her to do that,” the person added.
Harris’ choice leaves the 2026 California governor’s race wide open. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who rose through the political ranks in San Francisco alongside Harris, is barred from seeking another term due to term limits.
A number of prominent Democrats have already declared their candidacies to succeed Newsom, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra; former Representative Katie Porter; former state Senate President Toni Atkins; and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, among others.
Democrats are strongly favored to retain the governorship in California, a deeply blue state that Harris carried by 20 points in the last presidential election.
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Vice President Harris may be stepping out of the 2026 governor’s race, but her leadership journey is far from over. Her decision signals something bigger: she’s keeping her eyes on the national stage — and possibly the White House in 2028.
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