Kamala Harris Declines Gubernatorial Run in California

Kamala Harris, who previously served as vice president under Joe Biden and was the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election, has announced she will not run for governor of California.

In her statement on Wednesday, she mentioned that her responsibilities will extend beyond elected office for now, which is rather unexpected.

“After deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” she stated.

Harris, who has held roles such as California’s attorney general and a U.S. senator, didn’t provide many details about her future, but indicated that she would share more information “in the months ahead.”

“For now, my leadership – and public service – will not be in elected office,” she noted, keeping the option for a future candidacy open. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”

Before her announcement, polls had placed her as a preferred candidate among California Democrats to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.

The Democratic race currently includes Xavier Becerra, formerly California’s attorney general and a fellow cabinet member under Biden; Antonio Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles; and Eleni Kounalakis, the lieutenant governor. Katie Porter has also thrown her hat in the ring, declaring her candidacy on March 11, 2025.

On the Republican front, candidates include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, a former host from Fox News.

This is a developing story. More updates are expected.