Former Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly pondering a run for the California governor's seat in 2026.
Harris is weighing the political landscape after her 2024 presidential election loss, considering how her entry into the California gubernatorial race may shift the Democratic field significantly, Fox News reported.
After her defeat to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, Harris is contemplating her next political move. With plans to make a decision by the end of summer, speculation is already building about her potential influence on the race for California’s highest office. The state's current governor, Gavin Newsom, is nearing the end of his term limit, opening a pathway for Harris should she decide to run.
Those familiar with Harris's political trajectory recall her tenure as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, and U.S. senator. Given this robust political background, her entry into the gubernatorial race could dissuade other Democratic contenders from joining. High-profile Democrats like California Attorney General Rob Bonta have already suggested they might step aside to support Harris.
If she enters the race, it's widely anticipated that Harris will dominate the Democratic landscape. Other Democratic figures such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Rep. Katie Porter, and Xavier Becerra have been considered potential contenders. However, their plans may shift in light of Harris's decision.
In a statement, Rob Bonta expressed his support for Harris, acknowledging her potential as an effective leader for the state.
Kamala Harris would be a great governor. Her leadership in various roles has prepared her well to take on statewide leadership, particularly in a progressive stronghold like California, said Rob Bonta in an interview with Politico. "If she runs, we expect many of our colleagues to rally behind her."
Meanwhile, the Republican field is also eyeing the gubernatorial bid, with figures like Richard Grenell, Chad Bianco, and possibly Steve Hilton considering campaigns. Despite California's Democratic majority, Grenell sees Harris's potential candidacy as a unique opportunity for Republicans. He cited an extensive history of campaigning against Harris as potentially beneficial for Republicans aiming to seize an unlikely victory.
Richard Grenell, former acting Director of National Intelligence, opined that Harris's previous political baggage might actually bolster Republican chances. This perspective highlights a strategic play to mobilize voters across party lines who may have reservations about Harris's political past.
California, known for its unique election system, allows for the top two primary finishers to advance, without regard to party affiliations, setting up a complex landscape for both Democrats and Republicans.
Speculation around Harris’s political future doesn't stop at the 2026 gubernatorial race. She is also seen as a leading contender for the Democratic nomination in the 2028 presidential election. Polls indicate she has a head start over other potential candidates, although a 2026 gubernatorial campaign might impede a concurrent presidential pursuit.
Harris’s decision to pursue state leadership could alter her trajectory on the national stage, weighing short-term state leadership against long-term national aspirations. This choice may align her more closely with California's political climate, equipping her with executive experience that could bolster future presidential bids.
As Harris weighs her options, she remains an influential presence in Democratic politics. Her recent appearances at the Democratic National Committee conference and NAACP Image Awards underscore her commitment to maintaining visibility and influence.
The coming months will be pivotal in determining Kamala Harris's political course. With California’s political machinations in focus, her decision will certainly reverberate among party strategists and constituents alike, as she deliberates on her fit for leadership within the state or on a national stage.
