Former VP Kamala Harris Says She Won’t Run for California Governor in 2026

Former Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed on Wednesday that she will not be running for Governor of California in 2026, ending months of speculation.

“Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our history, and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the  values and ideals that I hold dear,” said Harris in a statement.

“I recent months 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.

“I have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service – service to their communities and our nation. At 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 – committed to our same values and principles, but not bound to the same playbook.

“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office. I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.

“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, and fairness, and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight.”

Harris’ decision ends months of back and forth between a 2026 run for Governor and a 2028 second attempt at the presidency. Since the beginning of the year, Harris has been ahead in virtually every Gubernatorial poll by at least a double digit lead. In the most recent poll, nearly half of all Democrats were on her side in terms of support. The next closest Democrat, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, only had 11%. With Harris now out, Porter, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, and other candidates who vowed to drop out if she ran, are now still in the race. Meanwhile, on the GOP side, a few potential candidates, including Special Presidential Envoy Ric Grenell, who said that they were likely to run if Harris entered the race, are now likely not to run.

With the race now shaken up again just over seven months to the primary election, Harris’ departure was heavily criticized, with Democrats upset that her virtual lock on the race is now gone.

Many in the GOP are criticizing what her Governorship would have done to the state. Some Republicans also lamented Harris not running, saying that her candidacy would have really brought out the base in an election, and likely increased the number of voters voting for a Republican.

“Kamala Harris’ political career is over thanks to President Trump. Look no further than her decision to not run for governor. She would have been a disaster for California: tanking the state’s economy even further, protecting criminal illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens, and further bringing the Democrat Party brand down with her, just like she did as Vice President,” said Republican Governors Association (RGA) Rapid Response Director Kollin Crompton. “Americans across the country can sigh in relief that they won’t have to see or hear from Kamala Harris any longer.”

“Kamala Harris has courageously served our state and country for her entire career,” posted Governor Gavin Newsom. “Whether it be as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, or Vice President she has always kept a simple pledge at the heart of every decision she’s made: For the People. Grateful for her service and friendship — and looking forward to continuing the fight in whatever the future might hold for her.”

“Kamala Harris’s decision to not run for governor is the first right decision in a career full of wrong ones,” added Riverside County Sheriff ad 2026 Gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco (R). “Californians are tired of living in an unsafe state they cannot afford, and Kamala seems to understand that the status quo is impossible to defend. We need real leadership – grounded in public safety, common sense, and accountability – not more empty promises from the political elite. I’m running to fix what they broke.”

With the Governorship now out, it is heavily speculated that Harris will have her sights set at another crack at the White House in 2028. While she would have easily started with a major lead in the Governor’s race, the 2028 Presidential race is far more uncertain. Recent polls have shown that she is only a few points ahead of former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, with Newsom and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also within striking distance. Even worse for Harris, all three current Democratic nominee challengers were only a few points behind Republican frontrunner Vice President J.D. Vance in a recent poll, showing that Harris is far more vulnerable in a presidential race than a Gubernatorial race.

In addition, all four candidates come in with major flaws, including, but not limited to, limited elected experience (Buttigieg), niche national support (AOC), and, wow, just take your pick (Newsom). For Harris, amongst other flaws, it will likely be her second time running, coming in as a Presidential election loser who was never President, something not attempted since Adlai Stevenson in the 1950’s.

The already crowded 2026 Gubernatorial race is now without its biggest potential candidate, with all current Democrat candidates now scrambling to find a solid frontrunner, and the GOP candidates  taking advantage of the chaos in the wake of the Harris decision.