Kamala Harris, the former Vice President of the United States, is preparing to make a significant political decision that could shape the next phase of her career. According to sources familiar with her plans, Harris will decide by the end of this summer whether she will run for governor of California in 2026. The decision is pivotal because it could potentially end her hopes of running for president in 2028. However, while Harris explores a run for governor, she is also leaving the door open for a possible presidential bid in 2028.
The 2026 California gubernatorial race presents an important opportunity for Harris, who is considering a return to state politics. Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is term-limited and will not be able to seek re-election. As one of California’s most prominent political figures, Harris would be a strong contender to replace Newsom as governor. However, if Harris were to win the gubernatorial race, it would likely rule out any presidential aspirations for 2028, as she would be firmly established in her role as California’s governor.
This potential decision comes after a challenging few years for Harris. After losing the 2024 presidential race to President Donald Trump, Harris has kept a relatively low public profile. Her loss was a major setback, as she had quickly emerged as the Democratic nominee after former President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
While she had a strong start, gaining momentum and erasing Trump’s lead in many key battleground states, her campaign ultimately faltered. She lost all seven of the closely contested battleground states, a result that made it difficult for her to win over voters who were eager for change. Much of her struggles were tied to Biden’s poor approval ratings, which hurt her standing with voters and made it challenging for her to distinguish herself as a fresh alternative to the status quo.
Despite her loss in 2024, Harris remains a powerful figure in American politics. Her time as Vice President and her previous wins in statewide California elections have solidified her reputation as a capable and resilient leader. She first entered the political spotlight in California in 2010 when she was elected state attorney general by a narrow margin. She was reelected to the position in 2014, and in 2016, she successfully ran for the U.S. Senate, winning by a significant 23-point margin over her Republican opponent.
If Harris decides to run for governor in 2026 and wins, she would make history as the first Black female governor of any state in the U.S. This would be a significant moment for both Harris and for the country, as it would reflect the ongoing progress made toward breaking barriers in American politics. Harris has long been an advocate for women and people of color, and her potential success in the gubernatorial race would be a major milestone for representation.
Harris is not the only Democrat considering a run for governor of California. Several high-profile figures have also expressed interest in the race, including former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former California State Senate Leader Toni Atkins.
Other potential contenders include State Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond and former California State Comptroller Betty Yee. However, most of these figures are expected to bow out if Harris decides to run. Politico reported that Harris is widely seen as the dominant figure in the race, and her candidacy could effectively clear the field for her.
Harris’ track record in California politics is one of resilience and success. Despite the challenges of her 2024 presidential bid, her previous wins in California elections have demonstrated her ability to connect with voters. Her 2010 election as state attorney general was particularly impressive, given the tight margin of victory. Her victory in the 2016 Senate race, however, was far more decisive, showcasing her strong political standing in California.
While Harris is certainly a formidable candidate for governor, her potential run for the 2028 presidential race remains a major factor in her decision-making process. Early polling for the 2028 Democratic primary shows Harris with a strong lead over potential competitors, thanks in large part to her name recognition.
Her visibility in the political arena and experience as Vice President give her a distinct advantage over other possible candidates. However, her position in the polls could be influenced by the fact that the race is still years away, and early polling often doesn’t capture the full range of dynamics that can emerge during a competitive primary.
If Harris does decide to run for governor, it would be a strategic move to reestablish herself in state politics before making another run for the presidency. While she may have lost the 2024 race, becoming governor of California would give her another platform to demonstrate her leadership skills and address the pressing issues facing the state, such as homelessness, climate change, and healthcare. In many ways, a successful tenure as governor could boost her national profile and position her as a stronger contender for the presidency in 2032.
For now, Harris is carefully considering her options. She has not made any official announcements regarding her plans for 2026, but sources close to her suggest that she will decide by the end of the summer.
Whether she decides to run for governor or focus on other political opportunities, Harris’ next move will be closely watched by political analysts and voters alike. Her decision could significantly impact the political landscape in California and beyond and mark the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
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