Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday that she will not run for governor of California in 2026, ending months of speculation about her political future in the state she has long called home.
“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 public 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.”
While Harris ruled out a gubernatorial campaign, her carefully worded statement leaves the door open to a potential 2028 presidential bid.
“I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people… and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans,” she added.
Harris, 59, previously served California as a prosecutor, Attorney General, and U.S. Senator before joining President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket in 2020. After Biden’s decision not to seek re-election in 2024, Harris mounted her own presidential campaign but fell short in the primaries. Since then, she has maintained a relatively low public profile while remaining engaged in key Democratic fundraising efforts and policy discussions.
In her statement, Harris reflected on her lifelong commitment to public service and the evolving needs of a political system she believes is in 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,” she said.
Political analysts note that Harris’s withdrawal from the 2026 gubernatorial race could clear the field for other prominent California Democrats while positioning her for a broader national role. Her reemergence on the political circuit—appearing virtually at a young voters summit in July and supporting pro-choice advocacy in June—signals she is still a force in Democratic politics.
The Harris Victory Fund, her joint fundraising committee with the Democratic National Committee, has already begun raising funds in support of Democratic candidates, including former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s Senate bid.
“I am a devout public servant,” Harris said. “And while I won’t be on the ballot in California in 2026, I will remain in that fight—for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all.”
With the political calendar already turning toward 2028, Harris’s next move will be closely watched by Democrats and Republicans alike.
