There’s a swath of the party that would be glad if Harris doesn’t run in 2028 — or campaign actively in the midterms.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris‘s decision this week not to enter California’s gubernatorial contest has left the door open to a third White House run, a gamble that carries both benefits and possible pitfalls.

Kamala Harris announced she will not run for governor of California, leading to speculation that she might try for the White House again in 2028. But after her loss, would Democrats risk running a woman,

Democrats remain favored to hold the seat now occupied by term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, in a state where Republicans have not won a statewide election in nearly two decades.

The crowded race to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2027 looked frozen in place for months as former Vice President Kamala Harris considered whether to jump in.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will not throw her hat in the ring to become California’s next governor after her failed presidential bid last year. “I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home,” Harris said in a statement Wednesday. “But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”