Following her loss in the 2024 presidential election to President Donald Trump, former Vice President Kamala Harris has largely stepped away from the spotlight. However, recent appearances and behind-the-scenes conversations suggest she may be preparing for a political return.
Though she has not made any formal announcements about her next move, speculation is growing that Harris may run for governor of California in 2026, according to CBS News.
According to a Politico report, several prominent Democrats, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, have urged her to clarify her intentions, noting that her indecision may delay other campaigns.
That clarification may come soon. At a pre-Oscars event in March, Harris reportedly told attendees she plans to make a decision about the race by the end of the summer.
On Feb. 22, Harris received the Chairman’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, where she delivered one of her first major public speeches since leaving office.
Without naming President Trump, she urged Americans to “organize, mobilize, educate and advocate,” offering a pointed critique of the current administration and calling for unity and resilience.
Just weeks earlier, in December 2024, she spoke to students at Prince George’s Community College in Maryland, encouraging young activists to stay politically engaged.
“Stay in the fight,” she said, referencing the continued push for justice and reform.
Sources close to Harris note she has long expressed interest in leading California, the world’s fifth-largest economy, and would make history as the first Black woman to serve as governor in the United States. Her potential entry into the race has already shifted the political field in California.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta has said he will seek reelection rather than run for governor, citing Harris’ likely influence.
“I have already raised my hand to endorse her if she does,” Bonta told Politico.
Other candidates, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Rep. Katie Porter, have indicated they would likely step aside if Harris enters the race.
In the meantime, Harris has remained active behind the scenes.
She has kept key members of her former team close through her new organization, Pioneer49, and continues to appear at public events, including a recent panel in Las Vegas focused on artificial intelligence.
According to advisers, she is exploring ways to stay involved in national conversations while keeping all political options open.
Last week, Trump revoked the security clearances of multiple former officials, including Harris. Despite the criticism, Harris appears to be laying the groundwork for a political resurgence.
Whether that takes shape through a gubernatorial run or another form of public service, her recent appearances suggest Harris isn’t done with politics just yet.
Copy edited by Aniyah Genama
