Kamala Harris Considers California Gubernatorial Run Amidst 2024 Election Fallout

Woman smiling in a crowd with cameras.

Kamala Harris faces a critical decision as she contemplates a run for California Governor, potentially reshaping her political future after a disappointing 2024 election loss.

At a Glance

  • Harris is considering running for California Governor in 2026 following her 2024 presidential election defeat
  • Her team is divided on whether a gubernatorial run would help or hinder future presidential ambitions
  • Polls show strong support for Harris in California, but she faces challenges including fundraising and crafting a compelling message
  • Harris would need to announce her gubernatorial candidacy by summer 2025
  • The decision hinges on her chances of securing the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028

Harris’s Political Crossroads

In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself at a political crossroads. With her term as vice president coming to an end, Harris is reportedly considering a run for California Governor in 2026. This potential move has sparked intense debate among her advisers and supporters, with implications for both her immediate political future and long-term presidential ambitions.

Harris’s team is split on the wisdom of pursuing the governorship. Some view it as a strategic step to bolster her political influence, while others see it as a potential impediment to her presidential goals. The decision is complicated by the timing of the gubernatorial race, which would occur just two years before the 2028 presidential election.

California’s Gubernatorial Landscape

Despite facing public disapproval as vice president, Harris appears to have strong support in her home state of California. Polls suggest she would be a formidable candidate in the gubernatorial race, potentially making history as the first woman and person of color elected to the position. Her previous experience as California’s Attorney General and U.S. Senator could provide a solid foundation for a gubernatorial campaign.

“Vice President Kamala Harris has not publicly said if she plans to run for California governor in 2026.” – Kamala Harris

However, a gubernatorial run would not be without challenges. Harris would need to raise between $50 million and $100 million for the campaign and craft a compelling message addressing key issues such as homelessness, housing shortages, street crime, overregulation, and the water crisis. Her previous underperformance in California compared to Biden’s during the 2024 campaign could also be a concern.

The Presidential Calculus

The prospect of running for president again in 2028 looms large in Harris’s decision-making process. Some advisers argue that pursuing the governorship could hinder her presidential ambitions due to timing and optics. The 2028 presidential race is expected to be highly competitive, with potential candidates like Josh Shapiro, Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, Pete Buttigieg, and Gavin Newsom in the mix.

“Running for governor would be a step down, and it would interfere with her ability to run for president again” – one person close to Harris

On the other hand, some in Harris’s camp believe she could be a strong candidate in 2028 due to her fundraising abilities and potential appeal as a return to normalcy. The decision ultimately hinges on her assessment of her chances to secure the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

A Political Tightrope

Harris faces a delicate balancing act as she weighs her options. Running for governor could provide a platform to showcase her leadership skills and address pressing issues in California. However, it could also be viewed as a “consolation prize” and potentially complicate her path to the presidency. The timeline is particularly challenging, as Harris would need to announce a gubernatorial run by summer 2025, leaving little time to pivot to a presidential campaign if she chose that route.

“I’m not going quietly into the night” – Harris

Despite the uncertainties, Harris has made it clear that she intends to remain active in politics. As she navigates this critical juncture in her career, the former vice president must carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of each path forward. Her decision will not only shape her own political future but could also have significant implications for the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape in the years to come.

Sources:

  1. Column: Kamala Harris should run for governor — but only if she wants to solve California’s problems
  2. Kamala Harris Aides Divided on Next Move
  3. Why is Kamala Harris’ team reportedly split on a potential run for California governor?
  4. Kamala Harris for CA Governor? Here’s What Her Close Aides Think

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