After former Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Wednesday that she wouldn’t run for California governor, the field opened up for various candidates. California will elect a new governor in 2026,

Harris announced on Wednesday she is not running for governor in the 2026 election to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot run again due to term limits. Harris enjoyed an early polling lead in the race, and some Democrats speculated that if she chose to run, others would have exited the race, deciding not to compete against her.

I have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service,' Harris said in her most recent statement.