Kamala Harris weighing run for California governor: report

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is weighing a bid for governor of California and has set a deadline for her decision.

At a pre-Oscars party last weekend, Harris was asked about her potential entry into the 2026 race. Two sources familiar with the conversation told Politico that she responded that she would decide by the end of the summer.

In recent weeks, she has also been making calls to allies and supporters, making it clear that she will determine her political future within a few months.

This timeline is the clearest signal yet that Harris is considering a return to state politics, possibly succeeding term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. However, such a move would likely remove her from contention for the 2028 presidential race, which she is still evaluating, reports Politico.

While Harris leads in early polls for a potential Democratic primary, she has had candid discussions with advisers about the challenges of a national campaign. Her aides point out that she has long been interested in running the world’s fifth-largest economy. She would also make history as the first black female governor in US history.

Since leaving office, Harris has remained active on the political scene. She recently accepted an award at the NAACP Image Awards and is set to speak in Las Vegas on artificial intelligence. She has also maintained her political operation Pioneer 49, keeping trusted aides like Sheila Nix, Kirsten Allen, and Ike Irby close. Longtime advisers Brian Nelson, Minyon Moore, and former White House chief of staff Lorraine Voles remain key figures in her political orbit.

Though she has not yet held formal discussions about a run, Harris’ potential candidacy has already shifted the political landscape in California. State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he would seek reelection rather than enter the governor’s race, citing Harris’ likely dominance.

“I hope she does [run]. I have already raised my hand to endorse her,” Bonta said to Politico.

Other high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Katie Porter and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, are reportedly hesitant to challenge Harris if she runs. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has suggested he will remain in the race, but even his allies have expressed doubts about his chances.

Bonta summed up the impact of a Harris candidacy: “Her name recognition, her favorables, her ability to run a successful campaign would have the impact of clearing the field on the Democratic side.”