Kamala Harris says ‘no’ to California governor’s race

(CN) — Former vice president Kamala Harris said Wednesday she won’t run for California governor, removing a looming question mark from a crowded gubernatorial field and helping solidify the November 2026 race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.

“In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor,” Harris posted to X. “I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for governor in this election.”

Calling herself a devout public servant, Harris said her leadership and public service will not include elected office at this time. Instead, she intends to help elect Democrats across the country.

“I have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service — service to their communities and to our nation,” she wrote. “At the same time, we must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis.”

Democrats in the governor’s race likely breathed a sigh of relief when they heard Harris’ decision. A UC Irvine poll this month showed 41% of people chose Harris against an unnamed Republican. The former vice president outshone former U.S. Representative Katie Porter in the latter’s Orange County home.

Harris also had an 11% favorability rating among those polled. Many of those polled said they’d never heard of other candidates, including people who had run statewide campaigns before.

The answer of whether Harris, the former California attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president, would run for governor marks a major shift in Golden State politics.

Newsom is term-limited and potentially considering his own presidential run. He must leave office after the November 2026 election.

The impending vacancy led a host of candidates to declare for the job, including Porter, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former state Senate President Pro tempore Toni G. Atkins — all Democrats — as well as former Fox News host and Republican Steve Hilton. Many others also have tossed their hats in the ring.

Atkins in an X post said the gubernatorial campaign is about the state’s future, which includes fighting rising costs and supporting communities often left behind.

“Vice President Harris has made her decision, and I thank her for her decades of service to our state and country,” Atkins wrote. “The mission hasn’t changed. This is a campaign built to lead, built to win, and built to fight for every Californian, in every ZIP code.”

Kounalakis in an X post called Harris a trailblazer and friend, adding she’s seen how the former vice president’s leadership has changed lives and made California stronger.

“From the beginning, I’ve been clear: I’m running for governor because I believe in California — in the people who power it, the values that guide it, and the promise it holds for every single person who calls this state home,” Kounalakis wrote.

Hilton called Harris’ decision great news for the state, adding that Californians are now assured her ineffectiveness won’t make the Golden State’s problems worse.

“After 15 years of Democrat one-party rule everyone can see it’s time for change in California,” he posted on X. “We have the highest unemployment, highest poverty rate, highest gas prices, and worst business climate in America.”

Harris in her post said that in America the people must wield power. She urged people to use that power as they fight for freedom, opportunity and fairness.

“I will remain in that fight,” she wrote.