NYT: Kamala Harris set to run for California governor in 2026

Former US presidential candidate Kamala Harris plans to run for Governor of California in 2026.

In 2026, current Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom will leave office.

According to the New York Times, citing sources, Harris has told allies that a successful campaign for the governorship will strengthen her position for a future showdown with US President Donald Trump and will help defend Democratic priorities, Caliber.Az reports.

Harris also informed colleagues of her decision not to run for president again in 2028.

“She said her political choice is binary: she can run for governor or president, but not both,” The New York Times writes.

Sources say that members of the Democratic Party have different views on Harris's political future. Some believe she should run in the 2028 presidential election, while others think she will be seen as a figure from the past during that race.

Additionally, Harris is working with the Creative Artists Agency, an agency that promotes creative individuals, to assess interest in her public appearances and a possible book release. In February, former US President Joe Biden signed a contract with the agency.

In November 2024, Politico reported that Harris was open to the possibility of running for president again in 2028. According to the newspaper, the former vice president instructed her assistants and close associates to explore all possible options for her candidacy. Sources told Politico that Harris had mentioned during phone conversations that she would "continue to fight."

The US presidential election took place on November 5 of last year. Donald Trump represented the Republican Party, while Harris represented the Democrats. She lost, although former White House chief Joe Biden suggested that Harris might run for president again in four years.

By Tamilla Hasanova