Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly mulling over the possibility of a gubernatorial run in California in 2026.
However, her inner circle appears to be divided on the best course of action, with some suggesting she should instead gear up for another shot at the presidency in 2028.
According to The Post Millennial, the CNN report indicates that Harris' aides and confidants are torn over her political trajectory. Some believe that despite her unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid, Harris still possesses a viable chance to vie for the presidency once more. They point to her impressive fundraising prowess, having amassed over $1 billion during her brief 107-day candidacy. However, others express concern over potential hurdles she may encounter in a more extended campaign, particularly against formidable Democratic contenders who sat out the 2024 race after the DNC's decision not to host a primary but may throw their hats in the ring in 2028.
The prospect of the California governorship seems to hold allure for Harris. With a decade-long tenure as California's attorney general and US senator under her belt, Harris is viewed as a strong contender for the position. Several significant potential candidates for governor have reportedly indicated to CNN that they would bow out of the race should Harris decide to run.
However, a gubernatorial run could potentially muddy the waters for a future presidential campaign. Harris would need to declare her presidential ambitions shortly after securing the governorship, a strategy that some advisers fear could dent her credibility.
A former adviser shared with CNN, If youre thinking of running for president in 2028, the worst thing you can do is run for governor in 2026. Another source close to Harris echoed this sentiment, stating, Running for governor would be a step down, and it would interfere with her ability to run for president again. I dont know if shes going to run for president again, but a shot at running for president again is worth giving up running for governor.
Those privy to Harris' thought process reveal that she remains on the fence and has not dismissed discussions about a gubernatorial run. However, advisers suggest that she must make a decision by the summer of 2025 if she intends to run for governor, leaving her with a limited window to finalize her plans.
Since her electoral defeat, Harris has maintained a relatively low profile, making only a few public appearances. She is slated to address high school and college students in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. A White House official stated that the speech would serve as a continuation of the vice presidents broader, future-focused leadership, but clarified that her remarks would be generalized and not centered on her future political ambitions.
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