Former Vice President Kamala Harris is considering a run for governor of California in 2026 and has set a deadline for her decision. According to Politico, Harris told attendees at a pre-Oscars party last weekend that she plans to decide by the end of the summer.
Harris has been making calls to allies and supporters in recent weeks, signaling serious interest in succeeding term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. While she currently leads in early Democratic primary polls, running for governor could take her out of contention for the 2028 presidential race, which she is still evaluating.
Her advisors note that Harris has long been interested in leading the world’s fifth-largest economy and could make history as the first Black female governor in U.S. history. Since leaving office, she has remained politically active, attending high-profile events and maintaining her political network through Pioneer 49. Key aides like Sheila Nix and longtime advisers Brian Nelson and Minyon Moore continue to shape her political strategy.
Harris’ potential candidacy has already reshaped the race. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he would seek reelection instead of running for governor, citing Harris’ dominance. “I hope she does [run]. I have already raised my hand to endorse her,” Bonta told Politico.
Other prominent Democrats, including Rep. Katie Porter and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, are reportedly hesitant to challenge Harris if she enters the race. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa remains a possible contender, but even his allies question his chances against Harris’ name recognition and fundraising power.
With Harris expected to decide within months, her entry into the race could dramatically shift California’s political landscape ahead of 2026.
