California Democrats say the governor’s race next year is wide open after former Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not run.
For months, the outstanding question of whether Harris would jump in remained unknown for candidates, lawmakers and observers trying to understand the contours of the race. Now it’s anyone’s guess who’ll land the seat.
“I think she would’ve been a very strong favorite had she gotten into the race, so I think it’s now wide open,” Sen. Adam Schiff told NOTUS. “I am sure it was a difficult decision for her. I am grateful for all of her service to the country, and I will be interested in what she does next.”
Even other candidates acknowledged how much the race’s future depended on Harris.
“Her decision today not to run for Governor of California marks another important turning point for her and our state,” Xavier Becerra, a candidate and the former secretary of health and human services, wrote in a statement Wednesday. “Vice President Harris’s decision not to run reshapes this race for Governor, but not the stakes.”
Now, Democrats in the state say, the race can truly begin.
“It blows the entire governor’s race wide open, and it will be incredibly competitive,” Christian Grose, a California-based pollster, told NOTUS in a text. “Perhaps the most interesting Governor’s race since 2003,” he added, referencing the recall election that ended with actor Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor.
Grose told NOTUS that the already crowded roster of candidates might expand, as those who may have been holding off on making a decision might now lean toward running after all.
“I support any decision that she made in terms of running for governor of California, and now we’re off to a gubernatorial race where we have many great candidates,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on CNN.
The field for the Democratic nomination is already a crowded one, with candidates including Becerra and former Rep. Katie Porter among those with a national profile.
Other candidates like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis; the state’s former comptroller, Betty Yee; Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond; former state legislator Toni Atkins; and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa enjoy varying levels of local and state name recognition in California.
“I respect her decision, but there’s a lot of talented leadership in California for voters to choose from,” Sen. Alex Padilla told NOTUS, adding that he has not endorsed anyone.
Among other Democrats, the response to the Harris news was fast praise of her work as vice president and someone who rose through California’s political ranks.
“Kamala Harris has served our state as Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice-President. We could not be more grateful,” Rep. Robert Garcia posted on X. “Excited about her hitting the road and traveling the country to help us flip the House and win back Congress. Let’s go!”
But many were also quiet, a sign of how many considerations there are to take into account.
At least one prominent California lawmaker knew he wouldn’t be joining the field.
“No, no. Definitely not,” Schiff said when NOTUS asked whether he would consider running, before laughing with fellow Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Raphael Warnock in one of the Senate’s elevators.
“I’m going to make some news now,” Warnock joked. “Adam Schiff for president!”
“I’m with you, Raphael,” Luján added.
“This is for governor!” Schiff corrected Warnock.
“But that’s the reason I’m not running,” Schiff added. “Do not quote me on that!”
This story was produced as part of a partnership between NOTUS — a publication from the nonprofit, nonpartisan Allbritton Journalism Institute — and NEWSWELL, home of Times of San Diego, Santa Barbara News-Press and Stocktonia.
Hence then, the article about kamala harris just kicked off the california governor s race was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Kamala Harris just kicked off the California governor’s race )
Also on site :
- My Daughter’s Friend Has a Crush on My Husband. It’s Making Us Both Deeply Uncomfortable.
- Maga’s biggest fear is coming true and Trump won’t survive it
- Tornado warning issued, and quickly cancelled, over Alhambra