Kamala Harris is deliberating over her political future, with July 21st looming as a critical date when she’ll lose US Secret Service protection. According to people close to her, Harris is increasingly likely to announce a run for California governor in August or after Labor Day. Private polls show her with strong name recognition and approval ratings among California Democrats. However, some declared candidates are insisting they won’t quit, and one potential rival shared internal poll numbers showing more likely primary voters believe Democrats “would be better off with another candidate for governor.”
Harris has been hosting informal meetings at her Los Angeles home and reaching out to current and former aides to discuss California issues. She’s considering the challenges of the governor’s role, including a projected $12 billion budget hole and potential Medicaid cuts. Some believe she’s hesitant due to the job’s demands, while others think she’s drawn to the opportunity to serve her home state during a critical time.
As she weighs her options, Harris is asking exhaustive questions and pushing for more research. “She’s trying to figure out what it means to be governor,” one person close to her said. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom recently highlighted the state’s budget shortfalls, saying, “We don’t live in Plato’s Republic.” Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, emphasized the need for a governor who can tackle the state’s serious issues.
Harris’ potential rivals, including Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra, are already campaigning. Villaraigosa accused Harris of treating the governor’s race like a “consolation prize” and said, “It’s the height of arrogance that they don’t feel any urgency to get in and share with California voters her views, her positions, her vision for California’s future.” Becerra, meanwhile, is committed to staying in the race, saying, “Competition is good. I think everyone should have the opportunity to make a good decision.”
A decision by Harris would have significant implications for the 2028 presidential election, and her team assumes a gubernatorial campaign would be covered by national media, giving her a platform to revive her role as a leader. However, friends have also been looking at polls showing her strong position in South Carolina, a key primary state, and her high name recognition among Democrats.
Harris is also considering her role as a leader in the Democratic Party, convening briefings and meetings on party infrastructure and communicating with new media figures. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, believes she’s the leader of the Democratic Party. With a crowded field and a frozen race, the decision ultimately rests with Harris. As Jerry Brown, former California governor, said, “A politician is somebody who runs for office. If they’re out of office they’ll be looking for ways to get back into office.”