Harris Contemplates Her Future: A Potential California Governor Run Could Rule Out 2028 Bid

Kamala Harris faces a significant decision about her political future, with advisers and allies divided on whether she should run for California governor in 2026 or hold out for a potential run for president in 2028. This decision centers around whether Harris believes she could secure the Democratic nomination for president in what is expected to be a highly competitive primary.

Some of Harris’s supporters argue that after her initial presidential bid, in which she quickly improved her reputation and raised more than $1 billion in just 100 days, a second attempt could be a real opportunity. However, there are concerns that a longer campaign, especially against other high-profile Democratic contenders who passed on 2024 to avoid challenging both Joe Biden and Harris, could result in another loss. In this scenario, Harris would face the difficult reality of being rejected by her own party, a possibility many want to avoid after her disappointing 2024 performance.

Meanwhile, the possibility of running for governor of California seems like a more straightforward path. Harris has been elected statewide three times and served as both California’s attorney general and U.S. senator for a total of 10 years. Her experience and established political network in the state make her a strong contender for the governorship, and many prominent California Democrats have indicated they would step aside if Harris chose to enter the race.

However, those close to Harris are largely in agreement that she cannot pursue both a gubernatorial run and a presidential campaign simultaneously. To mount an effective campaign for governor, Harris would need to announce her intentions by mid-2025, which means she must make a decision soon after Donald Trump’s inauguration. If she chooses the governor’s race, it would effectively end her presidential aspirations for 2028. While the governorship is a powerful position, it would be seen as a fallback for Harris, and running for it would mean letting go of her dream of becoming president.

One former adviser argued that if Harris chooses to run for governor, it must be seen as a “capstone” to her career rather than a stepping stone to greater ambitions. According to this adviser, running for governor would undermine her presidential hopes. “If you’re thinking of running for president in 2028, the worst thing you can do is run for governor in 2026,” they explained.

On the other hand, a person close to Harris suggested that skipping the governor’s race might be a smart decision if it allows her to focus entirely on a potential presidential run. “Running for governor would be a step down, and it would interfere with her ability to run for president again,” the source said. “I don’t know if she’s going to run for president again, but a shot at running for president again is worth giving up running for governor.”

The choice Harris faces is monumental. The governorship would provide immense power and security, but running for it would likely end her presidential ambitions. On the other hand, holding out for the 2028 presidential race is uncertain, with the risk of facing a crowded and competitive field. Harris must carefully weigh the trade-offs of each path and decide soon how she envisions her political future.

For now, her advisers remain split, with some urging her to go for the governor’s office, while others push for her to pursue another presidential bid. The decision will define the next chapter of her political career, and time is running out for Harris to choose her path.