Kamala Harris confirmed on X that she will not be seeking the governorship of California in the upcoming election.
đš BREAKING: Kamala Harris announces she will NOT be running for California Governor in 2026
I guess her poll numbers sucked out there too.
Should she run for President again in 2028??! đ€Ł pic.twitter.com/vbsJ5IQFPX
â Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 30, 2025
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Her announcement followed months of speculation over whether she would pursue a statewide office or leave the door open for another presidential bid in 2028.
âIn recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor,â Harris wrote.
âI love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, Iâve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.â
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Harris, who served as U.S. Senator for California prior to becoming Vice President, acknowledged in her statement that the nationâs political landscape has shifted and called for innovation in leadership.
âI have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public serviceâservice to their communities and to our nation,â she said.
âAt 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. As we look ahead, we must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking â committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook.â
My statement on the California governorâs race and the fight ahead. pic.twitter.com/HYzK1BIlhD
â Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 30, 2025
Sources told Politico that Harris had been weighing her decision since shortly after the 2024 presidential election, keeping her political options open while her team developed messaging that would both criticize President-elect Donald Trump and reinforce her presence within the Democratic Party.
While Harris never officially declared her candidacy for governor, reports of internal discussions prompted commentary from both Democrats and Republicans in California.
Ric Grenell, Trumpâs Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of the United States, addressed the possibility of entering the race if Harris had declared.
âIf Kamala Harris runs for governor ⊠Itâs a new day in California and that the Republican actually has a shot, and I wouldnât say no,â Grenell said in February.
Some California Democrats in Congress were reportedly uneasy about the prospect of Harris launching a campaign for governor.
Several House Democrats, speaking to CNN anonymously, expressed concern that her candidacy could have a negative impact on down-ballot races.
âThereâs no groundswell for her candidacy. In fact, I think it would only fire up Republicans and hurt our ability to win the four to five seats that we need to win to win the House and hold on to three seats that we just flipped in 2024,â one Democratic representative told CNN.
âShe comes in with baggage,â the lawmaker added.
Harrisâs announcement leaves the field open for other Democratic candidates expected to enter the California gubernatorial race.
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