Overview

• After more than six months of private deliberations following her 2024 presidential loss, Harris announced on July 30 that she will not enter the 2026 California governor’s race.
• In a public statement, she said “for now, my leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office,” and outlined plans to engage voters and support Democratic candidates nationwide.
• The vacancy left by term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom has attracted a host of Democratic contenders, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Rep. Katie Porter, ex-HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins.
• Harris emphasized her intention to drive change from outside elected roles by promoting institutional reform and grassroots activism.
• She signaled that a 2028 presidential run remains an option, preserving her potential path back to national office.