This article explores the possibility of former Vice President Kamala Harris running for Governor of California and its implications for her 2028 presidential aspirations. It analyzes her strengths, potential challenges, and the political landscape surrounding both endeavors.
With Governor Gavin Newsom's final term nearing its end, the spotlight is shifting towards the race for his successor. A crowded field of ten candidates, comprising seven Democrats and three Republicans, have thrown their hats into the ring. However, none have managed to establish a clear lead. One potential contender who could potentially surge to the forefront before next June's primary is former Vice President Kamala Harris .
Whispers surrounding Harris's potential gubernatorial bid have been circulating since her loss in November 2024. Although she hasn't officially declared her candidacy, her entry into the race seems like a highly probable scenario. Harris boasts a track record of three successful statewide elections, having served for a combined decade as California's Attorney General and U.S. Senator. A poll conducted shortly after the 2024 presidential election revealed that nearly half (46%) of California voters expressed a likelihood of supporting her candidacy.Contrasting this, a poll testing support for thirteen other candidates (excluding Harris) discovered that a majority (52%) of Californians remained undecided, highlighting their lack of support compared to the former Vice President. Harris's current advantage is largely attributed to her significantly higher name recognition compared to other contenders. If Harris decides to enter the race, she would undoubtedly have a strong advantage. However, the key questions remain: will she take the plunge, and if so, what does this mean for her 2028 presidential aspirations? There are compelling arguments both for and against Harris pursuing the governorship. On the positive side, it would keep her in the public eye and provide an opportunity to address a recurring criticism from the 2024 campaign: her lack of executive experience. A successful stint as governor for a year or two could effectively counter this criticism ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Additionally, it would allow her to establish a distinct policy platform, after facing criticism for lacking a well-defined agenda during the 2024 campaign.However, the path to running for governor, winning, and then launching another presidential campaign in 2028 is undeniably challenging. While Richard Nixon, a former Vice President who also lost his first presidential bid, served as California governor after his 1960 defeat, Nixon faced a popular incumbent, Pat Brown. On the flip side, Harris would be favored to win. If she were to run for governor and succeed, her inauguration would be in January 2027. This leaves a very tight timeframe before she would need to launch her presidential campaign.While Harris demonstrated in 2024 that a presidential campaign can be organized and executed within a compressed timeframe, following her unexpected elevation to the Democratic ticket, it's understandable if she hesitates to embark on another condensed campaign. One prominent political analyst, after speaking with over a dozen current and former Harris advisors, stated that the only consensus is that she likely cannot manage both tasks – running for governor and aiming for the White House. Furthermore, even if Harris were able to navigate both endeavors successfully, there's no guarantee that serving as California's governor would provide the political boost many anticipate. California faces significant challenges, including addressing its burgeoning budget deficit, leading the recovery from devastating wildfires near Los Angeles, and preparing the city for the Olympics. These pressing issues would demand the governor's full attention.If Harris were to win the governorship and immediately focus on the 2028 presidential race, she risks facing criticism for neglecting the state or using it as a steppingstone. Serving as governor of California, a state considered far more liberal than the rest of the nation, might not alleviate concerns that Harris is too left-leaning for the Oval Office. Ultimately, it's premature to definitively predict the former Vice President's next move. Few could criticize her for choosing to lead the nation's most populous state, which holds the fifth-largest economy. And as President Trump has demonstrated, in today's political landscape, a comeback is never entirely out of the question. Having been written off after his first term and even more so after January 6, 2021, he managed to regain power. However, having served as Vice President and presidential nominee, it's completely understandable if Harris believes she can achieve both goals
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