Harris Considered Running for California Governor
Seen as 'Path for Another Presidential Bid,' but She Decides Not to Run
"I Won't Seek Public Office for Now... I Plan to Return to the Field"
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has decided not to run in next year's California gubernatorial election. According to Yonhap News on July 31, Harris stated on her social media on the 30th (local time), "Over the past few months, I have seriously considered asking Californians for the privilege of serving as governor, but after deep reflection, I have decided not to run in this election."
Harris had been contemplating a run for governor of her home state of California since she lost to President Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election last November. The current governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, is serving his second term after being re-elected in the 2022 election, making him ineligible to run again next year. If Harris were to become governor of California, it could serve as a stepping stone for another presidential bid in the 2028 election, leading some to call it "the easiest path."
However, Harris has decided to forgo a gubernatorial run. She said, "For the time being, I will not seek elected office," adding, "I look forward to returning to the field to support Democratic candidates who will fight fearlessly across the country and to listen to the voices of Americans. I will share more details about my plans in the coming months."
There are many within the party eyeing the California governorship. Former Representative Katie Porter and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa actively engaged with party members at the California Democratic Party Convention last May to secure support.
During the convention, there were also skeptical views regarding a possible Harris candidacy. According to the Washington Post, one delegate in his 60s said, "I prefer a confident and progressive candidate," and added, "If she runs, she needs to show her true self, not just the style of a presidential campaign." Another delegate in his 40s told the Washington Post, "Support from the presidential election will not automatically carry over to the governor's race," and expressed concern that the incarceration rates for Black and Hispanic people increased during her tenure as California Attorney General.
Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota and Harris's former running mate, also criticized the Democratic Party for losing support among people of color and workers. Governor Walz said, "Let's be honest about what happened. Part of the reason we are in this mess is our own responsibility," adding, "The last election, in many ways, was a primal call to 'do something to make a change.'"
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