Former US Vice President Kamala Harris is seriously considering running for California Governor and has given herself until the end of summer to decide the same, multiple reports citing people familiar with the development have said.
Harris, who has **[largely remained out of the public eye](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/kamala-harris-returns-la-home-meets-firefighters-food-evacuees-wildfire-neighbors-embarrassed-why-2668587-2025-01-22)** since losing the November presidential election to Republican rival Donald Trump, has, however, retained some of her most trusted and senior advisers. Despite no definitive signal about her next political move, in December 2024, the 60-year-old reportedly set up an LLC known as 'Pioneer49' in her home state of California. According to Politico, the organisation includes Chief of Staff Sheila Nix, senior advisers Ike Irby and Kirsten Allen, as well as her White House Chief of Staff Lorraine Voles.
"I am staying in this fight," she told allies in phone calls and at private gatherings, according to Politico.
Harris hinted about running as California Governor at a pre-Oscars party last weekend. Additionally, in calls to allies, trusted aides and supporters in recent weeks, the former Vice President made it clear that she plans to make a decision within a few months, the Politico report added.
Gavin Newsom is the current California Governor and term limits prevent him from entering the race again. Candidates have until early March 2026 to file the documents ahead of the June 2, 2026, primary.
If Harris does end up entering the race for the golden state Governor, it would put her running as the presidential candidate in 2028 off the table. According to CBS News, Harris is considering staying out of running for President again.
A former adviser to Kamala Harris said that the ex-Vice President would be "great" as Governor and has already proven she could lead at the national level and as California Attorney General.
For a state that has remained inclined towards Democrats in recent decades, the mere prospect of Harris entering the Governor race will probably dissuade other internal party candidates from competing against her, commentators said.
California Attoreny General Rob Bonta told Politico that he will seek reelection and won't run for Governor, in part because Harris was likely to clear the field if she decides to run. Ex-Democratic Representative Katie Porter also suggested she wouldn't challenge Harris. Another close Harris ally in the golden state, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, may also steer cleer of Harris's path, the Politico report added.
In California primaries, candidates are listed on the ballot, and the top two with the most votes - irrespective of their party - proceed to the general election.