Kamala Harris Considers California Governor Bid

 

Kamala Harris is indeed contemplating a run for the California governorship in 2026, following her defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:

Harris has instructed her advisers and allies to keep her political options open, which includes considering a bid for California governor or a potential run for president in 2028. This decision would be significant as running for governor would likely mean not pursuing the presidency in the next cycle due to the time commitment involved. She has been described as someone who takes her time to make decisions, indicating no immediate rush to commit but is "staying in the fight" for her political future.

Polling data suggests Harris would start with a significant advantage in California due to her high name recognition and support among Democrats. A UC Berkeley poll found that 46% of registered voters would be very or somewhat likely to support her in a gubernatorial race, with particularly strong backing from Democrats (72%). However, her support among Republicans and independents is notably lower.

If Harris decides to run for governor, she could clear the field of serious Democratic challengers, given her profile and the state's Democratic leanings. Her candidacy would likely have ripple effects on other political races in California, potentially influencing who decides to run for other offices. Critics and supporters alike are split on whether this move would be a capstone to her political career or a stepping stone back to national politics.

There's mixed sentiment on social media and in political circles about her potential run. Some see it as a natural move given her previous political roles in California, while others question if it's a step down from her presidential aspirations. Her name has also been associated with the idea of "not going quietly into the night," suggesting she remains a key political figure regardless of her next move.

Harris has not made a public commitment yet, and her next steps might involve setting up an entity to maintain her political presence through travel, speeches, and relationship preservation, all while deciding her political future. This period post-election could be seen as a strategic retreat to recalibrate her political strategy.

In summary, while Kamala Harris is seriously considering a gubernatorial run in California, her final decision remains pending. The move would reshape California politics and could either be the next chapter in her political career or a strategic move to maintain her influence in the Democratic Party.