Since losing the 2024 election to Donald Trump, the former vice president has maintained a relatively low public profile.
According to the New York Times, Kamala Harris is considering a run for California governor in 2026. The paper reports that Harris, who has been less visible since her 2024 presidential defeat by Donald Trump, is still processing the loss while considering her future in politics.
Harris secured the Democratic presidential nomination after Joe Biden withdrew from the race less than four months before the election, citing concerns about his health and endorsing Harris as his successor. Despite this, she lost to Trump, failing to win any key battleground states.
Sources speaking to the New York Times indicate Harris is seriously considering a run for governor of California in the election scheduled for November 3, 2026, as Gavin Newsom is set to leave office. Harris reportedly believes that leading California would provide a significant platform to push back against policies enacted during Trump’s presidency.
Harris has recently begun to increase her public engagements, speaking at the Leading Women Defined Summit about a growing “sense of fear” in the US and criticizing institutions for “capitulating to clearly unconstitutional threats,” which appeared to be a veiled reference to Trump’s recent actions. In his second term, Trump has eliminated DEI programs, initiated widespread federal employee layoffs, and implemented global tariffs that have caused turmoil in financial markets.
The NYT suggests that a run for governor would likely preclude a second presidential campaign in 2028, though that remains a possibility. Her advisors anticipate a highly competitive Democratic primary race for the White House, potentially including current California Governor Newsom.
While she has not yet made an announcement, polls indicate Harris would be the immediate front-runner in the California gubernatorial race.
In a recent interview, Trump commented on Harris’ potential candidacy for California governor, saying, “Let her run…One thing she’s going to do, she’s got to start doing interviews.”
Several other Democratic candidates, including former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Representative Katie Porter, have already begun their campaigns. Harris is expected to announce her decision by the end of the summer.
Some within the Democratic Party have expressed concern over Harris’ delay, emphasizing the importance of early leadership in such a significant race.