Following her failed presidential campaign, former Vice President Kamala Harris’ political future is uncertain.

Many Democrats have been speculating on Harris potentially running for California’s governor in 2026. However, with the California Democratic Convention held over last weekend in Anaheim, Harris did not make an appearance. She sent a three-minute video that was played at the convention, but her lack of public appearances has left people wondering whether she will run.

Some Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters have already moved on from Harris. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has publicly criticized Harris’ campaign for not focusing on the needs of working-class voters who went for President Donald Trump. Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minnesota), Harris’ running mate, said that he thinks the campaign was too cautious.

During the 2024 presidential election, Harris won California with a 20% margin over Trump. However, this was significantly less than former President Joe Biden, who won the state in 2020 with a 29% margin over Trump.

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Other Democrats have expressed gratitude for Harris but are uncertain about a potential run for governor. Pasadena delegate Denise Robb stated that Harris was once the most important political leader in California but pointed out that she has largely disappeared from the public eye since the election.

Merced delegate Amanda Day pointed out that although she supported Harris during her presidential campaign, it doesn’t mean that she would help her if she ran for governor. Day noted that Harris’ tenure as California’s attorney general would draw attention due to the high incarceration rates of black and Hispanic individuals when she was serving.

Republicans, on the other hand, have expressed excitement about the possibility of Harris running for governor. Some believe that a Harris run would help GOP candidates, including Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.

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Article by Sherry Chen

Sherry Chen is a uPolitics writer.

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