Overview

• Harris formally announced on July 30 that she will not seek the 2026 California governorship after six months of private deliberation following her 2024 presidential defeat.
• She plans to launch a nonprofit, a political action committee and other civic initiatives aimed at empowering young voters and bolstering Democratic contenders nationwide.
• In her statement, Harris criticized U.S. political institutions for repeatedly failing the American people and called for renewed public engagement.
• Her withdrawal fully opens the Democratic primary to contenders such as Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra.
• Harris signaled that, despite stepping back from elective office, she remains open to a potential third presidential campaign in 2028.