Unemployed former Vice President Kamala Harris has apparently given herself a deadline to decide whether she’ll launch yet another political campaign — this time for governor of California.
The failed 2024 presidential candidate has reportedly been mulling whether to launch a 2026 California gubernatorial run in a bid to succeed a termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.
She is slated to make a final decision on her next move by the end of the summer, Politico reported Friday, citing two people familiar with her plans.
Harris, 60, has laid out the apparent timeline on a potential gubernatorial bid in calls to supporters, allies and aides over the last few weeks, the sources said.
“I hope she does. I have already raised my hand to endorse her, if she does,” state Attorney General Rob Bonta said of the ex-veep’s potential gubernatorial campaign.
“But I think only Kamala Harris knows the answer.”
It follows reports that Harris has been instructing allies to keep options open for her potential political comeback, spurring speculation of a repeat bid for the presidency in 2028 — despite her recent crushing loss to President Trump.
She told confidants late last year that she is “staying in the fight,” multiple sources told Politico at the time.
If Harris were to win the race to be the Golden State’s next governor, allies have indicated it would likely sideline any looming plans for yet another presidential bid.
Newsom, for his part, is term-limited at the end of 2025 and won’t be able to run again for the Golden State governorship.
He hasn’t yet indicated whether he will throw his hat into the ring for the 2028 presidential race.
Meanwhile, the speculation about Harris’ future comes just weeks after she inked a deal with Creative Artists Agency — the same Hollywood powerhouse that reps ex-President Joe Biden and Barack and Michelle Obama’s film and TV production company.
The agency, known in the entertainment world as CAA, will help her score book deals, speaking gigs and possible film projects.