After 2024 defeat, Harris says she will stay active in politics—but not as a candidate.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday that she will not run for California governor in 2026, ending months of speculation about her political future following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
In a statement posted on her X account, Harris said she had “reflected deeply” and decided to step back from pursuing elected office “for now.”
“For now, my leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office. 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,” Harris wrote.
Harris, a former California Attorney General and U.S. Senator, had been widely viewed as a frontrunner to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Her decision not to run reshapes the 2026 Democratic primary and likely eases the path for other prominent Democrats, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Although she called California “my home” and acknowledged her pride in having served the state, Harris made it clear that her next chapter will take place outside of elected office. She signaled a continued commitment to Democratic causes and hinted at a different kind of political involvement.
“We must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking—committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook,” Harris wrote. “My leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office.”
Governor Gavin Newsom, responding on X, praised Harris for her long-standing public service:
“Kamala Harris has courageously served our state and country for her entire career. Whether it be as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, or Vice President she has always kept a simple pledge at the heart of every decision she’s made: For the People. Grateful for her service and friendship — and looking forward to continuing the fight in whatever the future might hold for her.”
While Democrats offered supportive words, Harris’ announcement also drew pointed criticism from Republicans.
Kollin Crompton, Rapid Response Director for the Republican Governors Association, said Harris’ political decline was sealed by her 2024 loss:
“Kamala Harris’ political career is over thanks to President Trump. Look no further than her decision to not run for governor. She would have been a disaster for California: tanking the state’s economy even further, protecting criminal illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens, and further bringing the Democrat Party brand down with her, just like she did as Vice President,” Crompton said. “Americans across the country can sigh in relief that they won’t have to see or hear from Kamala Harris any longer.”
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for governor as a Republican, also weighed in. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Bianco said Harris’ decision improves his chances next year:
“This is going to catapult me to a win next November,” Bianco said. “Now we get front-row seats to watch the Democrat Party implode in California.”
Bianco added that California’s biggest problems remain unaddressed.
“We have a failed criminal justice system that favors criminals over victims. It’s too expensive to live here, and now it’s not even safe,” he said. As for his Democratic opponents: “They’re all responsible for the mess we’re in. This is the best of the worst the Democrat Party has to offer.”
Even Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, offered a brief reaction to Harris’ announcement.
“That’s interesting,” he told Fox News.
Though she won’t appear on the 2026 ballot, Harris made it clear her public life isn’t over. Her post concluded with a vow to continue fighting for “freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all.”
