Kamala Harris Weighs Running For California Governor In ’26 – Or Another Presidential Campaign In ’28

Vice President Kamala Harris is at a crossroads as top advisers and allies debate whether she should run for California governor in 2026 or prepare for another presidential campaign in 2028. The decision, expected by mid-2025, could determine how she repositions herself after her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Harris, a former U.S. senator and California attorney general, has the credentials and statewide popularity to make a gubernatorial bid. Allies describe the race as a “lay-up,” with several potential competitors directly and indirectly indicating they would step aside if she entered.

Running for governor would allow Harris to maintain political prominence and tackle pressing state issues of the world‘s fifth largest economy: housing costs, homelessness, climate change, and many more. However, taking the job would effectively delay or derail her presidential aspirations, as launching a 2028 campaign shortly after being sworn in could raise questions about her commitment to the state. One adviser described a governor’s bid as “more of a capstone than a stepping stone.”

Meanwhile, Harris’ supporters believe she has unfinished business on the national stage.

Her large, unexpected $1 billion fundraising haul and stronger-than-expected 2024 campaign performance showed she could rally support even after entering the race late. “Usually Democrats banish their defeated candidates, but she actually would have a strong shot at a second act,” a former senior adviser told CNN.

Yet, skeptics worry that an extended campaign against other high-profile Democrats could expose weaknesses and tarnish her reputation further.

Party insiders anticipate a crowded 2028 primary field, with potential rivals like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer poised to enter. Unlike 2024, when many contenders deferred to Joe Biden and Harris, Harris would face significant competition in 2028.

Detractors have also begun framing her candidacy as a “consolation prize,” arguing California voters might see it as settling after her presidential ambitions fell short.

Despite this, Harris’ entry into the race could create a “near field-clearing effect,” according to outgoing Rep. Katie Porter, who has been polling at the top of the gubernatorial field. Similarly, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who has already announced her candidacy, indicated she would have a conversation with Harris before making further moves. “I’m a longtime friend and supporter of the vice president. If she decided to run for governor, I’m sure we would have a conversation first,” Kounalakis said.

California political insiders speculate about a ripple effect, with candidates like former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins adjusting their plans. Meanwhile, billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who lost the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race, could leverage California’s “top-two” system to fund a center-leaning campaign against Harris.

Still, some Democrats are ready for Harris’ return. “Kamala Harris has deep respect and affection in California and substantive statewide experience to fix the problems in California with high rents and housing costs, homelessness, and crime,” said California Rep. Ro Khanna, who is himself eyeing a 2028 presidential run. “She would be formidable, if she chooses to run.”