Former Vice President Kamala Harris put to rest months of speculation Wednesday when she announced she won’t run for governor of California next year.
“I love this state, its people and its promise,’’ the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee said in a statement. “But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”
Harris did not specify what she plans to do next, including whether she intends to launch a third campaign for president after losing to President Donald Trump in November.
“I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans,’’ she wrote.
Harris’ decision leaves a wide-open race for the Golden State’s top elective office. Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom is precluded by law from seeking a third term.
The current field features a number of prominent Democrats, including former Reps. Katie Porter and Xavier Becerra (Becerra also served as state attorney general and as Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration); former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis; former state Controller Betty Yee; and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Republican contenders include former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Harris was the clear front-runner in early polling on the race. Following Wednesday’s announcement, several of the remaining Democratic gubernatorial candidates praised the former vice president, who also served as state attorney general and U.S. senator.
Porter called Harris “a principled leader” and said she was “grateful for her service to California and our country.”
Becerra said Harris’ decision “reshapes this race … but not the stakes.” He praised Harris’ “formidable energy” and said he knows “she is not done making a difference for America.”
Under California’s top-two primary format, all candidates will run on the same ballot, with the top two finishers, regardless of party, advancing to the general election.
Republicans face long odds in the Golden State, which Harris carried last year over Trump by 20 points. Democrats have won the past four gubernatorial elections, dating back to 2010.
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