Key Points:

• Kamala Harris will announce her decision about a California gubernatorial run by the end of summer 2026.
• Current Governor Gavin Newsom cannot seek re-election due to term limits.
• A recent poll shows 46% of California voters likely to support Harris for governor.
• Harris' decision could impact her potential 2028 presidential aspirations.
• The field for the gubernatorial race is expected to be competitive with several Democratic candidates.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing to disclose her intentions regarding a bid for the California governor's office by the close of summer 2026. She is currently considering this run amidst speculation about her potential candidacy for the presidency in 2028. As reported by Newsweek, Harris is actively weighing her options now that Governor Gavin Newsom is ineligible to run again due to state term limits.

According to a poll from SFGate, 46% of voters expressed support for Harris in a potential gubernatorial election, although 42% were not inclined to support her. This poll was conducted during pivotal moments of the last presidential election.

Harris has been relatively out of the public eye since her previous loss to President Trump in the 2024 election, as she returned to California to deliberate on her political pathway. During her time in the state, she has generated interest in local issues, underscoring her commitment to community engagement regardless of her political aspirations.

With a growing list of candidates eyeing the governor's seat, including notable Democratic figures such as former Senator Toni Atkins and current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Harris' entry could steer the race significantly. Political analysts suggest that should she decide to run, her status as a frontrunner could deter other Democratic contenders from entering the race.

As the political landscape shifts in anticipation of upcoming elections, Harris' decision may prove pivotal not just for her career but for broader Democratic strategies in California. For continuous updates on her political intentions, follow coverage from CBS News.