Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will be finishing up his second term as the state's top elected official in 2026, and he will no longer be eligible for re-election.
Taylor O'Bier
Posted
and last updated
Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday she will not be running for governor in her home state of California next year, despite much speculation.
Since leaving office following her loss to President Donald Trump in the presidential election, Harris said she has spent the last six months reflecting and has given "serious thought" to running for governor of the Golden State.
However, Harris said she has ultimately decided — for now — that her leadership "will not be in elected office."
"I have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service—service to their communities and to our nation," Harris said in a statement. "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."
RELATED STORY | Kamala Harris sounds alarm on authoritarianism in high-profile speech
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will be finishing up his second term as the state's top elected official in 2026, and he will no longer be eligible for re-election.
Candidates to take his place will have until early March to file their paperwork ahead of the June 2 primary, according to the California Secretary of State's Office.
There is already a list of names vying for the position, including Democrats like Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — and Republicans such as Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton.
RELATED STORY | California Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the American public, warning of an assault on democracy
For now, it's unclear what role Harris will play in future politics, having previously served as a California's attorney general and U.S. senator representing the state.
"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," she said.