The political landscape in California is abuzz with anticipation as former Vice President Kamala Harris contemplates her next move.
After losing the White House race to President Donald Trump last November, Harris is now considering a bid for the governorship of California in 2026. This position will be vacated by the term-limited Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom.
As reported by Fox News Digital, a source within Harris's political sphere confirmed that she has informed her allies of her intention to make a decision on a potential gubernatorial campaign by the end of summer. This news was initially reported by Politico.
Since the last election, there has been a flurry of speculation surrounding Harris's political future. She stepped into the role of the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nominee after then-President Joe Biden withdrew from the race due to concerns about his physical and mental stamina. Harris now faces two potential paths: a gubernatorial run in her home state next year or a second attempt at the presidency in 2028.
Early polls for the next Democratic Party presidential nomination, which currently rely heavily on name recognition, suggest that Harris holds a significant lead over other potential White House contenders. However, the possibility of pursuing both options seems unlikely. Winning the governorship of California, a predominantly blue state with the world's fifth-largest economy, would likely eliminate the possibility of a 2028 White House run, according to allies and political analysts.
Before her vice-presidential tenure, Harris served as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, and represented California in the U.S. Senate. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her political future, Harris has pledged to remain politically active. In a video message to the Democratic National Committee during its winter meeting, she promised to stand with the party "every step of the way."
Should Harris decide to launch a gubernatorial campaign, it is likely that she would dominate the field of Democrats. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who has served in his current role since 2021, has expressed his support for Harris, stating in an interview with Politico that "Kamala Harris would be a great governor." Bonta has also confirmed that he will run for re-election next year, quelling speculation about his own gubernatorial ambitions.
The Democratic Party already has several candidates vying for the governorship, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a Harris ally, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Former Rep. Katie Porter, who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic Senate nomination last year, has also expressed interest in the race.
On the Republican side, Richard Grenell, a longtime Trump loyalist currently serving as U.S. envoy for special missions, has hinted at a potential bid for the governorship if Harris decides to run. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has already announced his Republican candidacy for governor, and former Fox News Channel host and conservative commentator Steve Hilton is also considering a GOP gubernatorial bid.
California's unique primary system allows the top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election. However, it has been nearly two decades since a Republican won statewide office in California, dating back to former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006 re-election victory.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the decisions made by Harris and other potential candidates will undoubtedly shape the future of California's governance. The former Vice President's decision, expected by the end of summer, will be a significant indicator of the direction she intends to take in her political career.
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