Los Angeles, California — Former Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed Wednesday that she will not pursue the governorship of California, a decision that concludes months of speculation following her defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

In a statement, Harris expressed deep affection for California, describing it as her home and emphasizing her dedication to its people. “After careful consideration, I have opted not to enter the race for governor in this election,” she said.

Harris, who emphasized her focus on public service, hinted that her future leadership initiatives would not involve elected office for the time being. “I look forward to engaging with Americans nationwide and contributing to the election of Democrats committed to fighting for what matters,” she noted.

Although she did not address a potential run in 2028, Harris highlighted the importance of empowering citizens in the ongoing struggle for equality and dignity. Her remarks reflect her intention to remain active in national discourse.

Having held key statewide positions for a decade, including the roles of California Attorney General and U.S. Senator, Harris resigned to become Vice President in 2020. Following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, she assumed his role as the Democratic nominee.

A source close to Harris indicated that she remains optimistic about her political future, suggesting that she has the potential to achieve victory if she chose to run for governor. “Stay tuned for upcoming announcements,” the source said, hinting at her plans for continued engagement in national issues.

Harris’s decision leaves open the field for candidates vying to succeed Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits. Several prominent Democrats have already entered the race, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, among others.

As California remains a heavily Democratic state—Harris carried it by a substantial margin in her last presidential bid—the party is widely expected to maintain control of the governorship. The evolving political landscape will set the stage for a competitive race moving forward, especially without Harris as a candidate.