Kamala Harris’ former vice president is seriously considering the California governor’s run and has given a deadline to decide.
At an Oscars party last weekend, Harris was asked by another party attendee when he decided to jump into the California Governor race. According to two people with knowledge of conversation, she gave the definitive answer: the end of summer.
And in recent weeks, in calls to supporters, allies and trusted aides, Harris has made it clear that he plans to make a decision in a few months.
Harris’ timeline, first reported here, is the most obvious indication that she could take over Gavin Newsom, who finished in Golden State. And, according to allies, the victory almost certainly removes the 2028 presidential run (which Harris is still pondering) from the table.
Harris maintains a key lead Early referendum Of the areas of possible candidates, she has had some candid conversations with Washington advisors and confidants about how difficult the presidential primary can be.
Harris’ aide has long been intrigued by the idea that he is the world’s fifth largest economy chief executive and the first black woman in America.
Harris’s opening after leaving his office refers to a politician who views his future from one coast as a Democratic leader.
Over the past few weeks, she has appeared at the NAACP Image Awards to accept the Chairman’s Award. She heads to Las Vegas. Las Vegas is in an early primary nation and will head over to this weekend to talk to an advisor about moderate conversations about artificial intelligence and other ways to keep her name in a national conversation.
Harris also maintains some of her most senior and trusted aides under her newly formed organization, Pioneer49. Longtime advisers Brian Nelson and Minyon Moore, as well as her White House chief Lorraine Voles, all remain important parts of her unofficial kitchen cabinet. Other top California aides are waiting for a signal from Harris to get involved. Since losing the election, Harris has been telling all his aides and allies to keep all possible paths open.
“I’m staying in this fight,” she repeated to her allies on phone calls and personal gatherings.
Harris has yet to convene a formal conversation about the governor’s run.
For now, the mere prospect of her running for top positions in the state has already sent out several Democratic candidates in California as she is looking for other options in the 2026 field for the governor. State Attorney General Rob Bonta has called for reelection and told politicians not to run for the governor as he is likely to clear the field if Harris is running.
“I hope she does that. If she does, I’m already raising my hands to support her,” Bonta said. “But I think only Kamala Harris knows the answer.”
Katie Porter, a former Democrat with a close eye on the race, suggests that her two major candidates will not challenge Harris in the state primary, regardless of their party, to the November game.
Lt. Colonel Eleni Kunarakis, a Harris alliance close to California, also shares some of the same top consultants, but if Harris runs, he stands aside and slots into another statewide race. Others like former Senate leader Toni Atkins, Betty Yi, the yuan-shu controller And state school principal Tony Thurmond has long been a supporter of Harris. Only former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigoza suggests he will remain in the race, but even people near him share doubts about those plans.
“Her name recognition, her favor and ability to carry out successful campaigns will have an impact on clearing the field on the democratic side,” Bonta said. You can definitely run.
