Former Vice President Kamala Harris toured a wildfire relief center in Westwood following the January wildfires. (photo by Rance Collins)

Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced on July 30 that she will not run for governor of California in the 2026 election.

“In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor. I love this state, its people and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for governor in this election,” a statement from Harris read.

Harris was considered a possible contender for both the 2026 California gubernatorial election and the 2028 presidential election. The former senator, California Attorney General and Vice President lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump, receiving 48.3% of the popular vote.

Harris did not explicitly rule out another presidential campaign in 2028. However, she stated, “for now, my leadership – and public service – will not be in elected office.”

Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), who represents California’s 30th congressional district – which includes West Hollywood, Hollywood and the Miracle Mile – responded to the news of Harris’ decision in an interview.

“We’ve got a lot of great candidates in that governor’s race. There’s a lot of very qualified individuals who have proven themselves through public service over the years. I don’t think that leaves any kind of hole in our election for next year. There’s a lot of great choices for people on the ballot,” Friedman said.

Candidates who have declared their intention to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom include former president pro tempore of the California Senate Toni Atkins, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco,  businessman Stephen Cloobeck, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and California Democratic Party Vice Chair Betty Yee.

When asked if Harris should run for president in 2028, Friedman responded by saying she was disappointed that there wasn’t a Democratic primary after Joe Biden announced he would no longer run in 2024.

“I think it was a huge flaw for us that may have cost us the election. So whether or not she should run, I certainly don’t think she should expect to just automatically receive the nomination. I want to see – as a voter myself and someone who will throw my support eventually behind a candidate – I want a healthy field of candidates and a healthy debate between those candidates and that’s my expectation going into the next election,” Friedman said. “Like anyone else, she’s welcome to run and I want to hear what she has to say, and there’s a whole lot of candidates that I’m excited about.”