Could Kamala Harris be inching closer to a run for governor of California? Republicans sure hope so.
Many critics of the former vice president are keeping their fingers crossed that she decides to jump into what’s expected to be a crowded Democratic field to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. They cite her unpopularity among Republicans, who made up less than one in four voters, and sagging support among independents.
And although Republicans haven’t held the governorship since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2003 campaign, that doesn’t mean they are going to let the opportunity pass by without a well-funded fight.
“Harris’s possible entry [in the gubernatorial race] is already bringing GOP candidates tactical benefits, allowing them to run against a high-profile adversary who’s likely to energize donors and the conservative rank-and-file,” Politico reported.
Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate in the race, wrote to his supporters this week to say that the “one-party rule” in California — combined with Harris dragging down the ticket — could spell disaster for Democrats in a state where Trump fatigue is already high.
“I sense that this is the best shot for someone to be elected statewide in California who’s not a Democrat for at least 20 years, and I think the evident reason for that is the failure of one-party rule,” he said in an email sent by his campaign.
“The candidate who’s going to win in 2026, regardless of party label, is the change candidate. Kamala Harris is the one who least represents change.”
In fact, Harris running for governor might be the best thing for the cash-strapped state GOP in years, Republican political consultant Dave Gilliard told the outlet.
“I think it could attract some donors from around the country who might be interested in taking another pound of flesh,” Gilliard said.
“Money is the biggest obstacle other than the registration because the donor world doesn’t think a Republican can be elected governor anymore,” he added.
Harris has told allies she’s given herself until the end of the summer to decide whether to run or pass on the race in favor of keeping her powder dry for the 2028 election. She is in the middle of writing a memoir about her time in the White House, another opportunity she is relishing to stay in the spotlight now that she’s out of public office for the first time in 20 years.
Regardless of which electoral cycle she chooses, Harris is sure to face a barrage of questions about her knowledge of former President Joe Biden’s mental and physical decline. The release of a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson has led to a steady drip of revelations about Biden falling asleep during debate prep, forgetting the names of longtime aides, and potentially using a wheelchair if he won a second term.
Harris was a vocal defender of Biden while he was still in the race, declaring him “very much alive” after questions about his health began to percolate into mainstream media.
