WASHINGTON – Kamala Harris has ruled out a run for California governor in 2026—but she’s leaving the door wide open for another shot at the presidency.
The former vice president and two-time Democratic presidential contender, who unexpectedly became her party’s nominee in the 2024 general election, made a surprise announcement on July 30 declaring she won’t be entering the gubernatorial race next year.
Now living in Southern California with her husband, Doug Emhoff, Harris didn’t offer clarity on whether she’s considering a 2028 White House run.
“For now, my leadership – and public service – will not be in elected office,” Harris said. “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.”
A source close to Harris emphasized that her decision not to pursue the governor’s office wasn’t part of some master plan to clear a path for a presidential bid in 2028.
Still, the same source noted she’s left her options open. After all, running for governor and launching a presidential campaign at nearly the same time in 2027 would have been politically untenable.
In the meantime, Harris is reportedly working on a book, according to two individuals familiar with her plans, and is expected to embark on a promotional tour.
“She can do anything she wants to do, but she owes us nothing,” said longtime Harris ally Bakari Sellers. “And I hope she spends some time with the kids and Dougie, maybe teaches. I’m ready to go read the book. She’s a talent and 2028 could be it. Or 2032. Whatever she decides. She’s young.”
Harris’ announcement comes as many Democrats with national ambitions remain in limbo. In 2024, they were sidelined when President Joe Biden abruptly exited the race and endorsed Harris as his successor.
Ultimately, Harris lost the Electoral College by a wide margin to President Donald Trump, after campaigning hard against what she called his threat to democracy. But that message appeared out of sync with voters who were more concerned about inflation and the economy.
Harris also faced sharp criticism during her short campaign for sticking closely to Biden, whose age and mental sharpness drew increasing scrutiny, especially after he left office.
In her remarks about bowing out of the governor’s race, Harris cited what she described as a national “moment of crisis,” pointing to political dysfunction and institutional failure.
“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,” she said.
‘She could still drop the hammer’
Even some of Harris’ closest allies admitted they were caught off guard.
“I was anticipating an announcement for governor, because she would be good at it, and I thought she still wanted to get back in that fryer right now,” said Sellers, who co-chaired Harris’ 2020 presidential bid.
Though her intentions for 2028 remain uncertain, allies say they’re encouraged by her decision to stay politically engaged.
“I think we’ll all be waiting with bated breath to see what her next steps are,” said Julie Chavez Rodriguez, who managed the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign and previously served as a top aide in the White House and Harris’ Senate office.
Rodriguez said Harris seems focused on what she can contribute right now.
“Given the challenges that we’re facing in the immediate, and what I know will be even more challenges coming up,” Rodriguez said, Harris is likely weighing where she can make the most impact.
Glynda Carr, president of Higher Heights, a group that promotes Black women in politics, said Harris’ past campaigns have already inspired many.
“I am on team Kamala Harris in whatever she decides to do,” Carr said. “I’m on team ‘Kamala, private citizen,’ team ‘Kamala, candidate.’”
Jaime Harrison, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, said he hopes Harris will play a big role in helping Democrats flip seats in 2026, especially in southern states.
“It’s good to have her out there, and I’m sure, as she goes around the country, she’ll make up her mind about what she wants to do about 2028. But we can’t think about 2028 until we get to 2026,” Harrison said.
As for how Harris’ decision affects other potential Democratic contenders—like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro—Sellers had a blunt take:
“Nothing, because she could still drop the hammer on all of them if she wants to run for president,” he said. “She’ll beat all of them if she decides.”
