Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday she dropping out of a potential run for California governor in 2026, clearing the path for a possible third presidential campaign in 2028.
Harris, 60, said she decided against seeking the governorship after “deep reflection.”
“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 said in a statement.
“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office. 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,” she added.
Harris was weighing three options after her blowout 2024 loss to President Donald Trump: run for California governor, seek the presidency again in 2028, or stay retired.
Her potential gubernatorial candidacy failed to clear a crowded Democratic primary field that includes former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, ex-Representative Katie Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Some polls showed Harris leading her nearest rival by double-digits.
Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and will leave office in early 2027, praised Harris on social media.
Harris “has courageously served our state and country for her entire career. Whether it be as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, or Vice President she has always kept a simple pledge at the heart of every decision she’s made: For the People. Grateful for her service,” Newsom wrote.
Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee with 107 days to go before Election Day last year after President Joe Biden was forced out of the race. She became the first Democrat in 20 years to lose the presidential popular vote.
After her landslide defeat, Harris said she would not go “quietly into the night” but has rarely made public appearances since losing to Trump.
Harris acknowledged Democratic failures in her statement.
“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.”
“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 continued.
An Emerson College poll last month showed Harris coming in second in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary with 13% support, trailing former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 16%. Nearly a quarter of primary voters said they were undecided.