Ex-US VP Harris Rules Out Run for California Governor

Kamala Harris, the former vice president and a leading figure in the Democratic Party, has formally ruled out a 2026 bid for California governor.

Her decision ends months of speculation surrounding the state’s most high-profile potential candidate to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. Harris had previously represented California as attorney general and U.S. senator and led early polling as the favorite to win the race.

Despite being seen as a frontrunner, Harris offered no detailed explanation for her decision. She emphasized that the country is facing a political and institutional crisis, suggesting she will continue to play a national role within the Democratic Party.

Her move leaves the race more open, with Republican businessman Rick Caruso trailing in polls and 40% of voters still undecided, according to a recent UC Irvine survey.

With this decision, Harris keeps the door open for another presidential run in 2028, especially after her late entry in the 2024 campaign to replace Joe Biden. She now plans to focus on supporting Democratic candidates nationwide while mapping out her next steps.