Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor after months of consideration
After months of mulling a run to become California’s next leader, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced she is not running for governor.
“In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor,” Harris said in a release. “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.”
Her consideration to run came after Donald Trump defeated her in the 2024 presidential election. Multiple California counties that typically lean Democratic voted more Republican in November.
Earlier this year, the Oakland native said she would take the summer to decide if she wanted to run for governor.
Her departure from the race likely means more competition between the candidates and that fundraising for Democrats will ramp up.
Previous polling indicated that Harris would have had large support from voters if she had decided to run.
Harris said she will continue public service, but not in an 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,” Harris said.
“From day one, this campaign has been about California’s future — tackling rising costs, defending our freedoms, and standing up for communities too often left behind, said Toni Atkins, one of the Democratic candidates running for governor. “Vice President Harris has made her decision, and I thank her for her decades of service to our state and country.”
A statement from the Republican Governors Association said Harris as governor “would have been a disaster for California.”
“Kamala Harris’ political career is over thanks to President Trump,” the statement read. “Look no further than her decision to not run for governor.”
State records show Harris was among 39 candidates who filed a statement of intention to run for governor.
The list of candidates is not an official declaration of candidacy, but the statements of intention are filed before raising campaign funds.
Who’s running for California governor?
Prominent Democratic candidates include:
- Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis
- Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra
- Former California Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins
- Former U.S. House Rep. Katie Porter
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
- California Democratic Party Vice Chair Betty Yee
- Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Prominent Republican candidates include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton.
