March 10, 2025 Story by: Editor
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is seriously considering a bid for California governor and has set a deadline to make her decision.
During a pre-Oscars event last weekend, Harris was asked when she would decide on entering the governor’s race. According to two sources familiar with the conversation, she responded definitively: by the end of summer.
In recent weeks, Harris has been reaching out to supporters, allies, and trusted advisers, making it clear that she intends to finalize her decision within a few months.
This timeline, first reported here, provides the strongest indication yet that Harris may run to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. Allies suggest that a successful gubernatorial bid would likely rule out a potential 2028 presidential campaign, a prospect Harris is still considering.
While Harris currently leads in early national polls among potential 2028 Democratic candidates, she has engaged in candid discussions with advisers about the anticipated challenges of a presidential primary.
Harris’ aides emphasize her longstanding interest in leading the world’s fifth-largest economy and becoming the first Black woman to serve as governor in the U.S.
Since leaving office, Harris has positioned herself as a key Democratic Party figure with a national presence.
Recently, she appeared at the NAACP Image Awards to accept the Chairman’s Prize. She is also scheduled to visit Las Vegas—an early primary state—for a moderated discussion on artificial intelligence. Additionally, she has been strategizing with advisers on ways to maintain her national visibility.
Harris has retained several of her most senior aides through her new organization, Pioneer49. This includes Chief of Staff Sheila Nix and senior advisers Kirsten Allen and Ike Irby. Other key figures such as Brian Nelson, Minyon Moore, and former White House Chief of Staff Lorraine Voles remain part of her inner circle. Meanwhile, top Democratic operatives in California await Harris’ decision before taking action.
Since her election loss, Harris has instructed her team to keep all possible political avenues open. “I am staying in this fight,” she has reiterated in conversations with allies.
Despite her growing interest, Harris has yet to initiate formal discussions about a gubernatorial run.
However, even the possibility of her candidacy has already reshaped the 2026 race. Several high-profile Democrats considering a run have begun exploring alternative paths.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta, for example, has opted to seek reelection rather than enter the governor’s race, citing Harris’ likely dominance in the field. “I hope she does. I have already raised my hand to endorse her, if she does,” Bonta told POLITICO. “But I think only Kamala Harris knows the answer.”
Similarly, former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, a potential contender, has hinted she would not challenge Harris in California’s primary system, where the top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the general election.
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a longtime Harris ally who shares some of the same political consultants, would likely shift her focus to another statewide race if Harris enters the contest. Other prominent Democrats, including former state Senate leader Toni Atkins, former state Controller Betty Yee, and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, have all expressed support for Harris.
The only major Democrat who has signaled he may remain in the race is former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. However, even his close associates have raised doubts about his intentions.
Bonta believes Harris’ entry into the race would significantly alter the Democratic field. “Her name recognition, her favorable, her ability to run a successful campaign would have the impact of clearing the field on the Democratic side,” he said.
“If anyone wants to stay in, will I tell them, ‘You should leave because she’s clearing the field?’ Absolutely not,” Bonta added. “They can run. I think they’ll lose, and I will support her.”
Source: Politico
