Kamala Harris announces she will NOT run for governor of California

by · Mail Online

Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday she would not run for governor of California to replace outgoing 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,' she wrote 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.'

Harris' long-awaited decision takes place after several California Democrats announced their campaigns, not waiting for the former vice president to rule out a possible run. 

Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra announced their intent to run for governor despite Harris' indecision. 

Many national Democrats privately thought that Harris should run for the state position after losing the 2024 presidential race to President Donald Trump

Her decision to opt out of the state race sparks speculation that she may mount another presidential campaign in 2028. 

But Harris' statement indicated she would not pursue elected office 'for now.' 

'For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office,' she wrote. '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.'

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a speech at a gala in San Francisco, California
Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco publicly suggested that Harris not run for governor

If Harris does run for president in 2028, she would likely face Newsom, who continues to build up his political profile as a future contender for president. 

 Harris issued her announcement after boyfriend and political mentor former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown said it would be 'difficult' for her to win the race for governor of California.

'I really do hope, frankly that she comes to that reality. She may not want to run for governor of the state of California,' Brown revealed in a podcast interview on Monday. 'That may not be where she should be going. I think it's going to be difficult for her to win that job.' 

Brown singled out former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and businessman Rick Caruso, as a serious candidate. 

'That is a really talented guy, with great executive potential,' he said about the businessman who may run as an independent candidate in the race.

Caruso met with Brown after the podcast broke news. 

'Who would've thought...' he wrote on social media, posting the photos of his meeting with Brown on social media. 

Caruso lost a 2022 bid for mayor of Los Angeles to Mayor Karen Bass by an over nine point margin. 

Rick J. Caruso, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caruso Affiliated
FOX news contributor and California Governor candidate, Steve Hilton, talks at a campaign event on the USS Iowa in Long Beach, CA

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton announced his campaign for California governor in April as a Republican candidate.

 'Let’s make California an inspiration, again, the very best of America,' Hilton said. 'There’s only one way to do that. We’ve got to end the one-party rule that got us into this mess.'

Hilton would face strong headwinds in the race as a Republican dominated by the state's Democratic leadership.