Former Vice President Kamala Harris stunned political observers announcing she will not run for California governor in 2026, fueling speculation about a potential third presidential bid in 2028. In a statement, Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump, said she spent months reflecting on her role in advancing American values. “I love California—its people, its promise—but I’ve decided I won’t run for governor,” she declared, leaving her political future uncertain.
Harris’ decision prolongs the guessing game about her next move, which began after her bruising 2024 defeat. While she hasn’t ruled out another White House run—following unsuccessful campaigns in 2020 and 2024—she offered no timeline for deciding. “Our politics and institutions have too often failed the American people,” she said, hinting at a “moment of crisis” without naming Trump. “For now, my leadership won’t be in elected office. I’ll focus on listening to Americans and helping elect Democrats.”
Harris, a former California attorney general, senator, and vice president, would have been a formidable gubernatorial candidate, given her name recognition and fundraising strength. Yet, after years on the national stage, the less prominent role of statehouse politics in Sacramento may have held little appeal. Her career boasts historic milestones—first woman, Black, and South Asian vice president—but also setbacks, including dropping out before the 2020 Iowa caucuses and losing to Trump in 2024.
Also Read: India's Wetland Victory Shocks the World at Ramsar CoP15!
A 2028 presidential run carries risks. Harris must convince Democrats she’s the party’s future, despite her recent loss and ties to President Biden, whose legacy has faced scrutiny amid questions about his health during his final term. The 2028 race could be crowded, potentially pitting her against California Gov. Gavin Newsom and others in a Democratic Party grappling with low approval and Trump’s dominant agenda.
In recent remarks in San Francisco, Harris called Trump’s leadership a “wholesale abandonment” of American values, her sharpest critique since leaving office in January 2025. Her decision opens the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Newsom, with contenders like former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and ex-Biden health secretary Xavier Becerra vying for the Democratic nomination.
Also Read: Tsunami Alerts in South America After Massive Quake