Washington — Former Vice President Kamala Harris will not run for California governor subsequent yr, she introduced Wednesday afternoon in a press release.
“In latest months, I’ve given critical thought to asking the folks of California for the privilege to function their governor,” the 60-year-old Oakland native and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee mentioned. “I really like this state, its folks, and its promise. It’s my dwelling. However after deep reflection, I’ve determined that I cannot run for governor on this election.”
“For now, my management—and public service—is not going to be in elected workplace,” she added.
Declining a gubernatorial bid offers Harris a window to run for president in 2028. Since Harris’ defeat in her truncated 2024 presidential run, which adopted then-President Joe Biden’s determination to drop his reelection bid, the Democratic Occasion has puzzled what Harris’ subsequent political transfer can be. In Might, sources conversant in Harris’ pondering mentioned she was weighing a marketing campaign to be California’s chief govt, a 3rd run for the White Home or not searching for elected workplace.
Harris introduced on Thursday that she’s written a e-book about her 2024 marketing campaign that can be launched in September. It is known as “107 Days,” highlighting the breakneck tempo of her last-minute bid for the presidency.
“What the world noticed on the marketing campaign path was solely a part of the story,” she wrote. “My new e-book is a behind-the-scenes take a look at my expertise main the shortest presidential marketing campaign in fashionable historical past. 107 Days is out on September 23. I am unable to wait so that you can learn it.”
A supply near Vice President Kamala Harris informed CBS Information that whereas Harris “significantly thought-about” a run for California governor in 2026, she in the end determined in opposition to it — concluding she will be able to have extra influence for her celebration on a nationwide stage and that her “coronary heart wasn’t into operating for governor”.
“She grappled with it,” the supply mentioned a couple of potential gubernatorial bid. “There have been a variety of conversations over the previous few months. However she’s been a public servant for her entire profession.” The supply mentioned she needs to take time to expertise life as a non-public citizen.
Based on the supply, Harris felt tempted by the thought of main her dwelling state, however as an alternative, she is discovering different methods to stay engaged in public life — together with doubtlessly writing a e-book, launching her nonprofit and touring the nation to marketing campaign for Democratic candidates forward of the 2026 midterms.
“She genuinely has not determined a couple of 2028 presidential run,” the supply mentioned, including the choice to not search the governorship “retains the door open” for a possible run in 2028.
Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are again in California. Emhoff returned to personal legislation observe, and he teaches on the College of Southern California.
Beneath is Harris’ full assertion:
“Over the previous six months, I’ve frolicked reflecting on this second in our nation’s historical past, and one of the simplest ways for me to proceed preventing for the American folks and advancing the values and beliefs I maintain pricey.
I’m a religious public servant, and from the earliest days of my profession, I’ve believed that one of the simplest ways I may make a distinction in folks’s lives and battle for a greater future was to enhance the system from inside. And it has been a profound honor to try this work and serve the folks of California and our nation—as a prosecutor, Lawyer Basic, United States Senator, and Vice President.
In latest months, I’ve given critical thought to asking the folks of California for the privilege to function their Governor. I really like this state, its folks, and its promise. It’s my dwelling. However after deep reflection, I’ve determined that I cannot run for Governor on this election.
I’ve extraordinary admiration and respect for many who dedicate their lives to public service—service to their communities and to our nation. On the identical time, we should acknowledge that our politics, our authorities, and our establishments have too typically failed the American folks, culminating on this second of disaster. As we glance forward, we have to be prepared to pursue change by way of new strategies and recent pondering—dedicated to our identical values and ideas, however not certain by the identical playbook.
For now, my management—and public service—is not going to be in elected workplace. I sit up for getting again out and listening to the American folks, serving to elect Democrats throughout the nation who will battle fearlessly, and sharing extra particulars within the months forward about my very own plans.
In the US of America, energy should lie with the folks. And We, the Folks should use our energy to battle for freedom, alternative, equity, and the dignity of all. I’ll stay in that battle.”
