Kamala Harris rules out California governor bid, says she won’t seek elected office ‘for now’

Former US Vice President and 2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has announced she will not run for governor of California, ending months of speculation about her political plans following her 2024 presidential defeat to Donald Trump.

“For now, my leadership, and public service, will not be in elected office,” the former vice president and 2024 Democratic nominee said in a statement on Wednesday. “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.”

The decision leaves the race for California’s top job wide open, with potential candidates including Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Congresswoman Katie Porter.

Harris has previously served as California’s attorney general and US senator. She had been weighing a gubernatorial run since leaving the White House in January. But she said that “after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for governor in this election.”

While ruling out a 2026 bid, Harris’s statement leaves the door open for a future return to public office, possibly even a third run for the presidency.

A person familiar with her thinking said she is considering starting a nonprofit or leading a policy think tank. Her allies expect her to play a major role in the 2026 midterms as a party surrogate and fundraiser.

“I think we can expect her to continue to invigorate the younger generation who really vibed off of her energy, her authenticity, and her willingness to talk about things that you don’t normally talk about on the campaign trail,” said California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who spoke with Harris in recent months as she considered a run.