It’s now an open race for California’s next governor after Vice President Kamala Harris announced she won’t run to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026.
On July 30, Harris released a statement saying she would not seek any elected office “for now.”
“In recent months, I seriously considered asking Californians for the honor of serving as their Governor. I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after much thought, I’ve decided not to run in this election,” she wrote. The announcement came just a day before she revealed her upcoming memoir, 107 Days.
Since then, the race has already changed. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who was expected to run, has dropped out to run for state treasurer instead.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Kounalakis said. “I believe I can make the biggest difference by focusing on California’s financial future.”
Kounalakis, a close friend of Harris, had the support of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who praised her in a recent interview.
Her exit caught the attention of Rick Caruso, a Los Angeles real estate developer who ran for mayor in 2022. Caruso called Kounalakis “a widely respected business leader” and said he looked forward to her future work in California.
The race still has many big names running, including former Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
On the Republican side, political commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are competing for a spot in California’s top-two primary system.
Neither Harris nor Newsom has endorsed a candidate yet, and both are seen as possible presidential contenders in 2028.
California’s gubernatorial primary will be held on June 2, 2026.
