Kamala Harris finally answers whether she's running for California governor

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - After months of speculation, Kamala Harris has officially ruled out a run for California governor.

The answer is no

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Harris, the former vice president who lost to President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, said after deep reflection she has decided not to enter the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.

"In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor," Harris said in a statement. "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 continued, "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 by the same playbook. For now, my leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office."

Many of Harris’ supporters and critics believed she would have had stronger odds running for governor than mounting a third presidential campaign.

Had she entered the race, Harris would have brought an unmatched résumé in California politics, having served as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, U.S. senator, and vice president.

The race to replace Newsom is already crowded, with top contenders including former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Though Harris is sitting out the gubernatorial race, she made clear she isn’t stepping away from politics. She said she plans to stay engaged and help galvanize the Democratic Party.

Harris has already made history as the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

Kamala Harris' full statement

What they're saying:

"Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation’s history, and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear.

I am a devout public servant, and from the earliest days of my career, I have believed that the best way I could make a difference in people’s lives and fight for a better future was to improve the system from within. And it has been a profound honor to do that work and serve the people of California and our nation—as a prosecutor, Attorney General, United States Senator, and Vice President.

In 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 to 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 by 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, fairness, and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight."

Where does the governor's race go from here? 

Political watchers agree Harris' announcement is a game-changer in the race for governor. 

Local perspective:

"Oh, it's huge. It's huge," said Melissa Michelson, a political scientist at Menlo College. 

"The campaign now can begin," said Republican strategist Tim Rosales. 

On paper, the Democratic field for governor was already crowded, with the likes of former Rep. Katie Porter, former Attorney General Javier Becerra, and current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. 

"A lot of folks, whether they had decided to run already or were thinking of running, were a little nervous to jump in because what if she enters the race? She's going to suck out a lot the fundraising ability. She's going to suck out a lot attention. And so knowing that Kamala Harris isn't going to run means that those folks are going to have a kind of easier path," said Michelson. 

As for who might be a front-runner in 2026? 

"Katie Porter's shown the ability to raise the money, and certainly she's campaigned and run on a statewide level before, so I think that going into this, you would say that she probably has the edge," said Rosales.

"I think it helps Javier Becerra. I think he's really coming across as a front-runner. It might also help Eleni Kounalakis because she's going to be another woman in the race," said Michelson. 

Rosales says Harris' announcement could further complicate things for the Republican candidates, who already face an uphill battle. 

"Well, certainly, the boogeyman is taken away, right?" said Rosales. "These new Democratic candidates, they don't draw the same kind of ire that Gavin Newsom does or even Vice President Harris does." 

Could Harris be eyeing a 2028 presidential run? 

What's next:

Michelson isn't convinced a 2028 presidential run is in the cards for Harris. 

"Because she won't be the governor, she has the time and the freedom to run for if she decides she wants to. But I don't know that we've seen any evidence that she wants to, because she really hasn't been out there criticizing Trump very much. She didn't go to the state convention. We just haven't seen her," said Michelson. 

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