**Fatshimetry: Kamala Harris’s California Governor vs. Presidential Bid**
Since her defeat to Donald Trump, Kamala Harris and her inner circle have been divided over whether she should run for governor of California in 2026. The crucial choice is closely tied to her 2028 presidential ambitions, and each of her inner circle has divergent opinions on the path forward.
Some argue that after her surprise presidential campaign and incredible fundraising haul, a repeat run should be a no-brainer for Harris. Others worry that she won’t be able to keep up in a longer campaign, especially when faced with other Democratic Party heavyweights who skipped the 2024 election out of respect for first Joe Biden and then her.
But the governor’s race appears to be a no-brainer for Harris, having already won three statewide elections and having a decade of experience as a state attorney general and a U.S. senator. Several potential candidates have made it clear, either directly or through their staffs, that they would step aside if she entered the race.
In speaking with a dozen current and former Harris advisers and other senior figures in the California Democratic Party, it’s clear that she’ll have a tough time running both ways. Indeed, running for governor would require making her intentions clear by the summer of 2025 at the latest. That means she’ll have to quickly abandon her dream of becoming president after Trump’s inauguration.
Some insiders say running for governor would be a step backward for Harris, jeopardizing her chances of running again in 2028. Others say the risk is worth it, suggesting that the possibility of running again is worth it.
Harris, meanwhile, remains undecided, juggling her emotions and pressure from those around her. Rarely appearing in public since her defeat, she has not ruled out the idea of running for governor. Insiders note that she has not ruled out the possibility when the subject has been raised.
Her quietness contrasts with the energy she displayed during her presidential campaign, but remarks such as “you haven’t seen the last of me yet” suggest she has not had her final say in politics. Her friends are still waiting for her decision, aware that selling her campaign’s email and contact list would be out of the question, as it is a major asset for any future campaign.
Ultimately, the path Kamala Harris chooses will influence not only her political future, but also that of the Democratic Party. Between the governorship of California and a new attempt at the presidency, the vice president seeks the balance between personal ambition and collective interest, thus posing a dilemma that attracts the attention of all political actors engaged in the future of the nation.
In this period of uncertainty and reflection, Harris continues to be a key figure on the American political scene, ready to face the challenges ahead and to help shape the future of democracy in the United States.