Kamala Harris just slammed the door on California’s gubernatorial race. On Wednesday, she announced she won’t run to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, dodging a state-level fight to keep her eyes on bigger prizes, as Politico reports.
Harris, after mulling a return to Sacramento, decided against it, leaving the field open for others while hinting at a 2028 presidential run. Her choice shakes up a race that was frozen by speculation about her intentions. It’s a calculated move from a politician who’s been more national than Californian lately.
Her announcement ends months of dithering that frustrated Democratic Party activists and donors. Harris, once a California senator, hasn’t lived in the state full-time for nearly a decade. That absence fueled skepticism about her commitment to governing her home state.
Willie Brown, a California political heavyweight and Harris’s former romantic partner, recently cast doubt on her executive chops in a podcast. His remarks reflect a broader unease among some Democrats, still stinging from her 2024 presidential loss. Harris’ national focus has left her local ties frayed.
In summer 2024, President Joe Biden’s debate flop pushed him to abandon his reelection bid. Harris swiftly consolidated party support to become the Democratic nominee. Yet, her campaign against Donald Trump ended in a narrow popular vote loss and a swing-state sweep by the former president.
Since leaving the vice presidency, Harris has kept a low profile, delivering only a handful of speeches. Behind closed doors, she’s been weighing her next steps, consulting supporters about the governorship, another White House run, or other civic roles. Her indecision left many in California’s Democratic Party circles tapping their feet.
“In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor,” Harris said. Serious thought, but no action -- typical of a politician playing it safe. Her words sound heartfelt, but they dodge the gritty reality of state leadership.
“I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” she added. Home? Hardly, when she’s been a D.C. fixture for years, more comfortable in the national spotlight than Sacramento’s grind.
Harris’s exit clears the path for declared Democrat candidates such as Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Xavier Becerra. These contenders vowed to run regardless of her choice, showing more backbone than Harris’s waffling. The race now gains momentum without her shadow looming.
“I have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service,” Harris claimed. Admiration, sure, but her retreat from the governor’s race suggests she’s not eager to join their ranks. Public service seems secondary to her national ambitions.
“At the same time, we must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people,” she said. Bold words from someone who just lost a presidential race, yet offers no concrete fixes for California’s woes.
Harris’s decision sidesteps a race Republicans hoped she would enter. They saw her candidacy as a chance to rally their base against a progressive icon. Now, they’ll need a new target to energize voters.
Party activists and donors, already lukewarm on Harris, grew tired of her indecision. Her 2024 loss left a bitter taste, and many questioned her ability to lead California effectively. They’re now shifting support to candidates ready to commit.
“For now, my leadership -- and public service -- will not be in elected office,” Harris stated. She promises to help elect Democrats nationwide, but that feels like a pivot to avoid the hard work of governing. Her vague plans for the future raise eyebrows.
Harris’s national fundraising network and near-universal name recognition among Democrats give her options. A potential 2028 presidential run looms large, but California’s voters might not miss her. Her focus remains on the national stage, not the state she calls home.
