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A number of factors contributed to Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign’s failure last year, including her propensity for using word salads, which are collections of obscure phrases.
After forcing other contenders, the political press, and voters to wait months for her decision, she once again demonstrated her inclination last week when she declared she would not run for governor of California. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans,” Harris wrote in a written statement announcing his withdrawal from the 2026 campaign.
As we look to the future, we need to be open to pursuing change using novel approaches and innovative ideas while being true to our core beliefs and ideals, she continued.
In a softball interview with late-night talk show host Steven Colbert the next day, Harris maintained her string of evasive remarks by claiming that the American political system was flawed. Harris said, “Well, but it’s also evident, isn’t it?” when gently pressed to elaborate. We don’t give up, though.
Harris’ announcement ultimately puts those who want the position in a higher gear, regardless of what convinced her not to run for governor. Many of the candidates would likely have left if she had ran.
Without her in the picture, the field is still cluttered and lacks a clear leader.
Veteran Democratic strategist Garry South told the Los Angeles Times that none of these candidates have statewide name recognition at the beginning.
Nevertheless, it seems like there are two quite different types of candidates: Democrats who have a real chance of winning and those who will have a difficult time getting any traction.
The higher tier currently consists of former Orange County congresswoman Katie Porter, who lost her bid for the U.S. Senate last year; Lt. Gov. Elena Kounalakis, who is supported by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and has a sizable private fortune; and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
State schools superintendent Tony Thurmond, former state controller Betty Yee, former state attorney general and Biden cabinet member Xavier Becerra, and former state senatorial president pro tem Toni Atkins are all on the second tier.
How about Republicans?
The Riverside Although former Fox News anchor Steve Hilton and sheriff Chad Bianco are running, there is almost little possibility that the GOP will win next year. A Republican may place second in the primary and earn a place on the ballot for the general election, therefore ensuring the Democratic nominee an easy victory, if the Democratic field remained sizable and fragmented the Democratic vote.
That’s exactly happened last year when Republican Steve Garvey avoided a general election matchup with Democrat Adam Schiff by indirectly helping him finish second in the U.S. Senate primary.
The other Democrats will be vying for second place in the primary and a position on the November ballot when a definite Democratic front-runner emerges in the gubernatorial race the following year.
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In the meantime, the dynamics following Harris could be altered by another possible candidate: Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso, a businessman from Los Angeles, lost the 2022 mayoral election and is allegedly considering running for mayor again following year against incumbent Karen Bass or running for governor.
Due to his wealth, Caruso may garner a lot of support from California’s business community, especially if he were to advance past the primary and run against a liberal Democrat like Porter.
Months passed before we found out if Harris would run. We are currently awaiting Caruso.
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