Kamala Harris' future move could be run for CA governor
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California is one of 18 states that has never had a woman governor, but the 2026 election to replace termed out-Gov. Gavin Newsom could change that.
Driving the news: Politico reported Monday that Vice President Harris is telling advisers she's not leaving the political arena and wants to keep her options open.
- That includes a potential 2026 run, where she'd enter a crowded field with more support than those already running, according to a new poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.
State of play: That existing field includes San Diego's Toni Atkins — the former state Senate leader, assembly speaker and city council president — Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former state controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond.
- Outgoing Rep. Katie Porter has hinted at a possible run, and a USC poll found her in a strong position if she jumps in.
By the numbers: A record 13 women will be governors next year after New Hampshire elected Kelly Ayotte.
- The eight Democrats and five Republicans will make up 26% of U.S. governors. The previous record was 12 in 2023, Rutgers' Center for American Women and Politics notes.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show the party split of the 13 women governors is eight Democrats and five Republicans (not eight Republicans and five Democrats.)