As the race for California's gubernatorial seat in 2026 heats up, Democratic contenders are tirelessly courting influential donors and interest groups.
However, their efforts are overshadowed by the looming question of whether former Vice President Kamala Harris will throw her hat into the ring. Harris has remained tight-lipped about her political aspirations following her defeat to President Donald Trump in the previous election.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that Harris is currently deliberating whether to vie for the governorship, make a third bid for the presidency in 2028, or step away from politics entirely.
"It creates a little bit of a limbo situation," said Tony Thurmond, the state Superintendent of Public Instruction who announced his candidacy for governor in 2023. Thurmond, like other Democratic hopefuls, is engaging with many of the same potential donors, who are all curious about Harris's intentions. "We don't know," Thurmond admitted, echoing the uncertainty that candidates are conveying to their potential backers.
Harris, who is already leading in many polls for the gubernatorial race, is expected to announce her decision by the end of this summer. Despite her significant name recognition and political clout, Harris will face scrutiny regarding her last-minute candidacy against Trump, her knowledge of former President Joe Biden's decline, and her ambition to run for governor after two unsuccessful White House bids.
Debbie Mesloh, a longtime ally of Harris, stated that the former vice president is "looking closely [at] where is the best place to put her energy and focus and her time." Harris has been seen at a few public events this year, including a meeting with firefighters in Altadena, a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in the Bay Area, and a high school graduation in Compton.
However, her absence from the Democratic Party convention and her husband, Doug Emhoff's acceptance of a teaching position at USC have raised eyebrows. Furthermore, Harris has recently canceled a two-week vacation planned for the end of this month, according to a source familiar with her plans.
As reported by The Los Angeles Times, some gubernatorial campaigns do not view Harris's potential victory as a foregone conclusion, as it might have been had she announced her intentions in January after leaving Washington. High-profile figures such as former Biden Cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra, ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter of Irvine have pledged to remain in the race regardless of Harris's decision. Veteran state Senate leader Toni Atkins of San Diego and former state controller Betty Yee have also committed to staying in the race even if Harris runs. "While the vice president has her own path, our campaign is moving full speed ahead," Atkins affirmed.
Yee, who is "leaning into my fiscal and financial background, revealed that potential donors are questioning how California can resist Trump's administration and what her plans are if Harris decides to run. However, Harris may not receive the backing of donors if she runs, as many are disgruntled that she expended $1.5 billion in funds during her brief campaign against Trump.
"The money is very, very upset with her," commented Stephen Cloobeck, a businessman, Democratic donor, and gubernatorial candidate. "Theyre my friends. Im part of that money. Everyone is thoroughly reeling."
As the political landscape in California continues to evolve, the Democratic hopefuls remain in a state of suspense, awaiting Harris's decision. The former vice president's potential entry into the race could significantly alter the dynamics of the gubernatorial contest. However, regardless of her decision, the other candidates are determined to forge ahead with their campaigns, underscoring the competitive nature of the race for California's governorship.
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