Former Vice President Kamala Harris is contemplating a run for governor of California and has set a deadline for herself to make a decision. Sources reveal that Harris intends to announce her decision by the end of the summer, signaling a potential bid to succeed Gavin Newsom as the governor of the state.
If Harris decides to enter the California governor’s race, it would likely impact her potential 2028 presidential run. Despite leading early national polls among possible candidates, Harris has acknowledged the challenges of a presidential primary. Becoming the first Black woman to be governor of California, the fifth-largest economy in the world, has long been an aspiration for Harris.
In recent public appearances, Harris has demonstrated her commitment to remaining a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. From accepting the Chairman’s prize at the NAACP Image Awards to participating in discussions about artificial intelligence, Harris is actively engaging with national issues and maintaining a presence in the political landscape.
Under her organization Pioneer49, Harris has retained key aides and advisers, signaling her readiness to stay involved in political matters. While she has not yet formally initiated discussions about a gubernatorial run, the possibility of her candidacy has already influenced other Democratic candidates in the 2026 field for governor.
Several potential candidates, including State Attorney General Rob Bonta and former Rep. Katie Porter, have indicated they would not challenge Harris in the primary. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and other prominent California Democrats have expressed support for Harris, with some considering alternative races if she decides to run for governor.
The potential entry of Harris into the California governor’s race has the potential to clear the field on the Democratic side, with many candidates likely to defer to her candidacy. While some contenders may still choose to stay in the race, the overwhelming support for Harris among party members suggests a strong backing for her potential gubernatorial bid.
