Kamala Harris on Wednesday introduced she received’t run for California governor however didn’t give any clue about whether or not she’ll run for president in 2028.
“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office,” Harris stated in an announcement. “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.”
Harris, who has beforehand received elections for legal professional basic and senator within the Golden State, sought to guarantee supporters that she isn’t planning to step away from the general public eye anytime quickly.
“I will remain in the fight,” she declared.
Harris would have entered the California race as a possible front-runner given her widespread title recognition, fundraising prowess and recognition within the closely Democratic state.
However after a number of years on the nationwide and worldwide stage, it wasn’t clear that Harris actually relished a return to the less-glamorous world of Sacramento statehouse politics.
The crowded Democratic discipline for California governor contains former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Biden administration well being secretary Xavier Becerra and a handful of sitting state officeholders. The race could be a significant lengthy shot for any Republican given the sprawling state’s deep-blue lean.
Harris’ announcement solutions one query about her political future, however affords solely fleeting clues to the massive ones — particularly the position she could play within the nationwide battle towards President Trump and whether or not she’ll ultimately make one other run for the White Home.
In her assertion on Wednesday, she by no means talked about the person who defeated her final November however did say: “Our politics, our government and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis.”
If Harris does run in 2028, she would have some benefits, together with title recognition and gravitas. However the ex-VP additionally carries the numerous baggage of being tied to Biden, whom Democrats have more and more criticized for looking for a second time period relatively than stepping apart a lot earlier.
Many Democrats say they’re in search of a contemporary face, which might rule out Harris who stumbled badly in a 2020 main race earlier than her loss final yr.
Initially Printed: July 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM EDT
