Former Vice President Kamala Harris has officially stated that she will not be running for the governor position in California in 2026. This announcement comes after a period of serious contemplation about leading her home state.
“I’ve thought deeply about asking Californians for the opportunity to serve as their Governor. This state holds a special place in my heart, and I truly care about its people and future. However, after reflecting a lot, I’ve made the decision not to run in this election,” she explained in a statement released Wednesday.
This choice could potentially provide Harris with more flexibility as she looks ahead to a potential presidential run in 2028, an aim she has not dismissed. She indicated that she would be revealing more information about her plans in the coming months.
“I have immense respect and admiration for those dedicated to public service—serving their communities and our nation. Yet, we must acknowledge how often our political framework and institutions have fallen short of serving the American people, especially in these challenging times,” Harris remarked. “As we move forward, we should be open to embracing change with new strategies and innovative ideas, firmly rooted in our core values but not confined to traditional methods.”
Harris reached this conclusion following a thoughtful period of considering how she could best support the Democratic Party after her loss in the presidential race.
“Being a public servant is my passion, and I’ve always believed that I could impact people’s lives positively by working within the system. It has been a tremendous honor to serve California and the nation in various roles—like a prosecutor, Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President,” she stated.
In recent months, Harris has re-engaged with political activities, taking part in a virtual young voters event earlier this month and participating in an abortion rights group meeting in June. Additionally, her fundraising team, the Harris Victory Fund, has supported former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s new Senate campaign.
Although choosing not to run for governor, Harris is committed to continuing her fight for issues like freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity for everyone.
“I am eager to get back out there, listen to the voices of the American people, help elect Democrats nationwide who will stand up boldly for our beliefs, and share more about my personal plans in the months to come,” she concluded.
