Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday she will not run for California governor in 2026, ending months of speculation and surprising many who considered her the front-runner for the position.
According to Politico, Harris’s decision came after careful consideration and multiple meetings with political allies and supporters. The announcement unfroze the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, which had been in a state of paralysis while Harris deliberated.
“At the end of the day, when she did her own gut check, to put it in the prosecutorial parlance, she had reasonable doubt,” said Sean Clegg, one of her longest-serving political advisers, explaining Harris’s ultimate decision to step away from the race.
What led to Harris’s decision not to run
The former vice president’s team had analyzed the campaign requirements, estimating they would need to raise between $40-50 million for the primary alone, with total campaign costs potentially reaching $75 million. Despite polls showing her as the clear favorite and her strong fundraising abilities, Harris’s interest in the position fluctuated over time.
Since leaving Washington, Harris faced several challenges in California, including historic wildfires near her neighborhood and conflicts with the Trump administration over state finances and immigration enforcement. Her public appearances became selective, often focusing on national issues rather than state-specific matters.
Some Democratic politicians and donors had mixed feelings about her potential candidacy, with some still carrying concerns from her presidential campaign loss. Questions arose about her genuine interest in Sacramento politics and the demanding nature of state budget negotiations.
The decision became clearer for Harris after a recent trip to England for a wedding. Upon her return, she began informing her inner circle of her choice to not pursue the governorship. According to her allies, Harris still sees herself playing a national role and hasn’t ruled out a 2028 presidential run, though this wasn’t the main factor in her decision.
Looking ahead, Harris is considering starting a nonprofit organization, with particular interest in artificial intelligence and Generation Z issues. Rep. Robert Garcia mentioned she plans to help Democrats in the midterm elections by campaigning and fundraising.
For the first time in more than 20 years, Harris now finds herself outside of elected office. According to Clegg, rather than returning to an insider position as governor, Harris feels drawn to making a difference from outside the political system.
Published: Jul 31, 2025 10:27 am