Kamala Harris Contemplates California Gubernatorial Run, Keeping 2028 Presidential Hopes Alive
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Kamala Harris is weighing a significant shift in her political trajectory, contemplating a run for governor of California in 2026. This decision, expected by the end of summer, will have profound implications for her future aspirations, particularly regarding a potential presidential bid in 2028.
A source familiar with Harris’s plans confirmed that she is seriously considering entering the California gubernatorial race to succeed the term-limited incumbent, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom himself is seen as a possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
The political news outlet Politico initially reported the timeline for Harris’s decision. Should she choose to run for governor and succeed, it would almost certainly preclude her from participating in the 2028 presidential election. This is due to the demanding nature of the governorship and the need to dedicate full attention to leading the nation’s most populous state.
Harris’s contemplation of a gubernatorial run marks a potentially significant turning point after her unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign. She has maintained a relatively low public profile since losing the election to President Donald Trump. However, she recently addressed the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, where she received the organization’s Chairmans Award.
In her speech, Harris alluded to the challenges facing the nation, making veiled references to Trump and Elon Musk. "While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office nor by the wealthiest among us," she stated.
Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign followed a dramatic turn of events. After former President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, she quickly emerged as the Democratic nominee. Initially, Harris’s campaign gained momentum, and she successfully erased Trump’s early polling leads. However, the momentum proved short-lived, as she ultimately lost all seven closely contested battleground states to Trump.
Several factors contributed to Harris’s defeat. She struggled to distance herself from Biden’s low approval ratings and faced challenges in convincing voters that she represented change. The desire for a fresh direction, coupled with the strength of Trump’s support, ultimately led to her defeat.
Harris’s potential run for governor carries historical significance. Having lost her bid to become the first Black woman U.S. president, a victory in the gubernatorial race would make her the first Black female governor of a U.S. state. This would be a landmark achievement, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations.
The California gubernatorial race is already shaping up to be a competitive affair. Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter is also considering a run. Other Democrats who have already announced their candidacies include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former California state Senate Leader Toni Atkins, states schools superintendent Tony Thurmond and the states former comptroller Betty Yee.
However, the dynamics of the race would likely shift significantly if Harris were to enter the fray. According to Politico, most, if not all, of these contenders would likely withdraw their candidacies if Harris decides to run. Her established statewide profile and fundraising capabilities would make her a formidable opponent.
Harris has a track record of success in California statewide elections. She first won the election for state attorney general in 2010 by a narrow margin. She was reelected to the position in 2014. In 2016, she won a U.S. Senate seat in California by a significant margin, defeating her Republican opponent by a landslide. These victories demonstrate her ability to connect with voters and build broad coalitions.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, Harris is currently seen as a potential frontrunner. Early polling data indicates that she has significant leads over hypothetical opponents. However, this advantage may be due to name recognition following her recent presidential bid.
The next few months will be critical for Harris as she weighs her options. Her decision will not only shape her own political future but also influence the broader landscape of California and national politics. The political world will be watching closely as she makes her choice. The decision to aim for governor of California or to keep her eyes firmly set on the White House in 2028 is hers and hers alone. The consequences of her decision will reverberate for years to come.
