Kamala Harris Opts Out of California Gubernatorial Race

During a segment on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” panelist Mara Gay remarked that former Vice President Kamala Harris chose not to enter the race for California governor, partly due to requests from the Democratic base.

On Wednesday, Harris announced that she would not participate in the gubernatorial election or pursue other political roles, following widespread speculation about her future. Gay noted that many in the Democratic base are looking for fresh faces to lead and believed it could enhance their chances in upcoming elections.

“The key word in her statement is ‘listening,'” Gay said. “This indicates that Democratic leaders are paying attention to their supporters who are expressing a desire for new blood and young talent.” She mentioned how the atmosphere can change rapidly in politics, where ambition is common. “When you talk to individual Democratic voters, especially in swing states, they want to see other options,” she added.

After a disappointing 2024 presidential campaign, reports suggested that Harris is keeping her political options flexible. Some California legislators have raised concerns regarding her potential success in a gubernatorial campaign. A recent interview on CNN highlighted a noticeable lack of enthusiasm for her candidacy. One commentator pointed out, “There’s no groundwell for her. Pursuing this could undermine her ability to challenge Republicans effectively.”

Additionally, Democratic donors seemed skeptical about Harris’s chances for the governorship or a run in the 2028 presidential election. Political analysts noted that her combative loss to Donald Trump and a hefty campaign budget did not bode well for her future.

Lindy Lee, part of the Democratic National Committee’s National Finance Committee, discussed her concerns about Harris’s campaign spending habits during an interview with News Nation, while a donor named John Morgan suggested that such spending might ultimately end Harris’s political career.

In a previous podcast, William Brown—Harris’s former boyfriend and mentor—suggested she should have declined the vice presidency in favor of aiming for a Supreme Court position. He recalled how Harris, back in 2016, expressed disinterest when the opportunity arose during Barack Obama’s presidency.