Harris got walloped in November. It has caused her to re-evaluate.
Now Kamala Harris made a surprising announcement about her political future.
Kamala Harris Sets Deadline for California Gubernatorial Decision Amidst Mixed Signals
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has set a deadline to announce her decision on a California gubernatorial run, with sources revealing that she plans to make her choice by the end of summer.
According to Politico, Harris has been telling supporters at private gatherings and over the phone, “I am staying in this fight,” as she weighs her future following her unsuccessful bid for the presidency.
The timeline for her decision became public during a pre-Oscars party last weekend, where Harris reportedly told another attendee that she would announce her gubernatorial plans by summer’s end. This revelation has caused a stir, especially since early polls indicate a significant lead for Harris in the race.
However, her potential gubernatorial victory would likely close the door on any 2028 presidential ambitions, sources have said, despite her strong position in early national polls for the California governor’s race.
Harris currently holds a commanding lead in the polls for governor, and her political infrastructure remains intact through her newly formed organization, Pioneer49, with several top aides still supporting her efforts.
This loyalty from her staff is noteworthy, especially given the reported high turnover rate among her vice-presidential team.
The Washington Post reported in September 2024 that “More than 90 percent of Harris’s vice-presidential staff who started working for her in early 2021 have since left the office.”
This revolving door of staff was attributed to her reportedly difficult management style, which raised concerns about her leadership within her own ranks.
The mere possibility of Harris entering the race has already begun to reshape the Democratic field. Many top Democratic figures are reconsidering their plans, with some even preparing to bow out if Harris announces her candidacy.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta has already decided to forgo a potential gubernatorial run, opting to seek reelection instead.
“I hope she does. I have already raised my hand to endorse her, if she does,” Bonta said, adding that Harris’s “name recognition, her favorables, her ability to run a successful campaign would have the impact of clearing the field on the Democratic side.”
Former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis are also expected to avoid challenging Harris in the primary, while former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has suggested he might remain in the race despite doubts from those close to him, according to Politico.
As the Democratic field adjusts to Harris’ potential candidacy, the Republican side remains less crowded. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, praised for his crime-fighting record despite restrictions from Governor Gavin Newsom, appears to be the frontrunner.
Harris, meanwhile, has been working to increase her national visibility. She recently accepted the Chairman’s Prize at the NAACP Image Awards and is planning a trip to Las Vegas for a conversation on artificial intelligence.
These moves suggest she intends to maintain her presence in national political discussions, even as questions linger about her ability to energize a base that has grown weary of her leadership style.
While Harris remains a formidable presence in California politics, the question remains whether her lackluster performance as vice president will allow her to transition into a successful gubernatorial run or if her political capital will continue to wane.
