Former Vice President Kamala Harris made it clear this week that she will not run for California governor next year. However, the announcement has seemingly sparked talks that she might try a third run for the White House in 2028.
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Kamala Harris Shuts Down Speculations Of A California Governor Bid
The news came forth in a statement from her office Wednesday (July 30), per the Associated Press. The former VP said she’s spent the last six months reflecting on the “best way” to fight for the American people. She’s decided that it won’t be by attempting to lead California.
“I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor. I love this state, its people and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” she said.
Kamala Harris’ decision extends a guessing game about her political future. The American people have questioned what’s next after she lost last year’s presidential election to Donald Trump. Harris spent months privately considering the same question. On her table were the choices to run for governor, stage another run for the White House, or step away from electoral politics altogether.
In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Kamala said that she doesn’t run to run for office because the system is “broken.” She said she wants to travel the country, talk to Americans, and be “part of the fight.” However, she said she doesn’t want her interactions to be transactional, which includes asking for votes.
Was That Shade For Donald Trump?
Kamala Harris said in a January speech that Trump’s leadership represented a “wholesale abandonment ” of American ideals. But, in her latest announcement, Kamala Harris didn’t mention Trump. She did have some seemingly shady words about the state of American politics. She wrote: “…our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis.” Nonetheless, for now, she made it clear that her leadership and public service will not be in elected office. Instead, she teased that she’ll be on the ground supporting other Democrats seeking the governor’s seat. She also said she’ll share more details about her journey in the coming months.
“In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight,” the statement said.
Former VP Harris would have entered the crowded contest to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. The move would’ve likely made her a front-runner given her widespread name recognition, fundraising prowess and track record of winning statewide elections. Before serving as U.S. senator and vice president, she served as state attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco.
Harris’ decision not to seek the governorship keeps the contest open to a few other Democrats. The list includes former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra, and a handful of state officeholders.
Is Another White House Run Likely For Harris?
As mentioned, Kamala Harris has not ruled out another run for president. Outside of California, her political career has been marked by historic firsts and disappointments. If she ran in 2028, it would mark her third try after unsuccessful bids in 2020 and 2024. It’s not known when she will make that decision.
For context, Harris sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. But, she dropped out of the race before the leadoff Iowa caucuses — the first defeat of her political career. After Joe Biden chose her as his running mate, she made history as the first woman, Black person or person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. In 2024, Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden left the race and endorsed her. She campaigned for 107 days leading up to Election Day. She lost that race to Trump, who won every swing state.
It won’t be easy if she chooses to go for the White House again. She would have to convince national Democrats that she’s the face of the party’s future, despite losing to Trump last fall. She also carries the baggage of being tied to Biden. Democrats are still hot about and critical of his decision to seek a second term rather than step aside from the jump!
Given the election fiasco, Biden’s legacy took a hit as he left office. Since then, new questions have swirled about his physical and mental abilities as his term ended.
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Associated Press Political Writer Michael R. Blood contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
