Will remain in that fight: Kamala Harris opts out of California governor bid

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 31, 2025 01:50 IST

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not enter the 2026 California gubernatorial race, ending months of speculation about a potential return to state politics.

“I love this state, its people, and its promise,” Harris wrote in a statement posted on X. “But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”

Harris, who served as California’s Attorney General and US Senator before becoming Vice President, said the decision was guided by her belief in public service but also a recognition that the current political landscape demands new approaches.

That closes the door, at least for now, on what could’ve been a high - profile return to state politics. However, Harris made clear she isn’t stepping away from politics altogether.

Harris has kept a relatively low profile since losing the presidential election to Republican Donald Trump in 2024. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has held the post since 2019, cannot run for re-election due to term limits.

“For now, my leadership -- and public service -- will not be in elected office,” she wrote. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”

What those plans look like remains to be seen. But Harris signalled she’s thinking beyond traditional political paths. “We must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking,” she wrote, “committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook.”

She also offered a thinly veiled critique of the current state of politics: “We must recognise that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis,” she said. “As we look ahead, we must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking.”

"In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight, Harris concluded.

- Ends

With inputs from Agencies