California Republicans hope Kamala enters governor’s race

The California Republican Party would gain some tactical benefits, such as energizing donors as well as the Republican base in California, were the high-profile candidate to run, per Politico.

“I think it could attract some donors from around the country who might be interested in taking another pound of flesh,” Republican political consultant Dave Gilliard told the outlet. He is not working for any gubernatorial candidates in the race. “Money is the biggest obstacle other than the registration because the donor world doesn’t think a Republican can be elected governor anymore.

In addition, some Republicans have promised that they will make their own run for the office should Harris run for governor. Ric Grenell, a Trump ally from southern California, has said he would consider it. Grenell would be able tap into the base of support around the president. Republican Caitlyn Jenner, who used to be Olypian Bruce Genner prior to gender transition, said that if Harris were to enter the race, Jenner would “destroy her” in an election.

Harris has said that she will decide to run by the end of the summer, however, the GOP is looking to take hits on Harris before she officially announces a potential run. Pundit Steve Hilton, as well as Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, have both started campaigns centering around failed Democrats, with Harris as a focus.

Hitlon also wrote in an email to donors, "I sense that this is the best shot for someone to be elected statewide in California who’s not a Democrat for at least 20 years, and I think the evident reason for that is the failure of one-party rule. The candidate who’s going to win in 2026, regardless of party label, is the change candidate. Kamala Harris is the one who least represents change.”

Although California is a deep blue state, Harris' performance was worse than Biden, as Trump flipped multiple California swing districts during the election. As Harris is still deciding on whether or not to run, other Democrats have thrown their hats in the ring as Governor Gavin Newsom cannot run for another term, these include former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, as well as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.