Editorial: Harris Bows Out and Leaves a Weak Field for Governor Race

Harris Gave Democrats a Gift by Staying Out of California

Her decision not to run resets the field — and gives the national party space to rebuild its brand.

Editorial: Harris bows out and leaves a weak field for governor race

Kamala Harris’ Democratic colleagues and Republican opponents are no doubt thrilled that the former vice president announced that she would not be running for California’s governor. Given her name ID, she would have been the front-runner to replace Gavin Newsom whatever her merits and demerits. The race had been effectively on hold awaiting her decision—and now other candidates can get moving. As senator, Harris governed as a mainstream liberal.…

They said it: Former veep passes on run for governor

“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office.” — Kamala Harris, former Democratic vice president who lost 2024 presidential race to Republican Donald Trump, on declining a run for California governor in 2026 that polls suggested she’d win.

‘No obvious frontrunner.’ Why Harris’ exit has scrambled the race for California governor

For months, candidates in the race to become California’s next governor had waited for a pivotal question to be settled: Will former Vice President Kamala Harris run or not? With Harris’ announcement this week that she’s out, a new question arose: Who’s the front-runner now? Because of Harris’ star power, the answer is far from simple. For months, other candidates saw their campaign planning and fundraising undercut by the possibility she would …

'No obvious frontrunner.' Why Harris' exit has scrambled the race for California governor

With Kamala Harris out of the California governor's race, other candidates are jockeying to be seen as the new front runner. Some analysts said that's "ludicrous," and that no one stands out yet.

With Kamala Harris out, race for California governor heats up

The crowded race to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2027 looked frozen in place for months as former Vice President Kamala Harris considered whether to jump in. But campaign finance reports filed this week reveal that serious fundraising was playing out behind the scenes even before Harris announced on Wednesday that she’ll steer clear of the race. Democratic former Rep. Katie Porter raked in funds even as Harris spent months considering…