Kamala considers 2026 California gubernatorial run instead of 2028 presidential campaign

Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly considering a run for California governor in 2026, though those close to her remain divided on whether she should pursue that path or prepare for another presidential campaign in 2028.

According to a report from CNN, Harris’ aides and confidants are split on her political future. Some argue that Harris, despite her failed 2024 presidential bid, still has a strong opportunity to run for president again, pointing to her ability to raise over $1 billion during her brief, 107 day candidacy. However, others are concerned that Harris may face challenges in a longer campaign, particularly against well-positioned Democratic contenders who avoided the 2024 race after the DNC declined to host a primary but may run in 2028.

The California governor’s race appears to be an attractive option for Harris. With a decade of experience as California's attorney general and US senator, Harris is considered a leading contender for the role. Several major potential candidates for governor reportedly signaled to CNN that they would step aside should Harris enter the race.

However, running for governor would complicate her chances of pursuing the presidency. Harris would need to announce a presidential campaign shortly after winning the governorship, a move that some advisers believe could undermine her credibility.

“If you’re thinking of running for president in 2028, the worst thing you can do is run for governor in 2026,” a former adviser told CNN.

“Running for governor would be a step down, and it would interfere with her ability to run for president again,” another unnamed source close to Harris said. “I don’t know if she’s going to run for president again, but a shot at running for president again is worth giving up running for governor.”

People familiar with Harris’ thinking have said she remains undecided and has not ruled out conversations about a gubernatorial bid. However, advisers believe she must decide by the summer of 2025 if she plans to run for governor, leaving her little time to solidify her plans.

Harris has kept a relatively low profile since her electoral defeat, appearing at only a handful of public events. On Tuesday, she is scheduled to deliver a speech in Washington, DC, to high school and college students. A White House official said that the speech will be a “continuation” of the vice president’s “broader, future-focused leadership,” however remarks will be generalized and not focused on her future plans.