Latest news with #Harris'
Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
2026 race for California governor goes into new gear and directions with Kamala Harris out
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After months of uncertainty, the race to become California's next governor started Thursday. Former Vice President Kamala Harris' decision Wednesday to bypass the 2026 contest pushed the campaign into a new phase, lacking its biggest potential star and the presumptive early favorite. Harris' formal exit opens the door for additional candidates to venture in, while scrambling a crowded field with no dominant candidate. 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. Democrats hold a nearly 2-to-1 advantage over registered Republicans statewide. 'The starting gun just popped,' said Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta, calling it the first truly wide-open governor's race in over a quarter-century. 'The race is on.' Other Democrats work to position themselves Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter moved quickly to establish herself as a leading contender, as her campaign pleaded for donations to 'solidify Katie as the Democratic front-runner.' Former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra sought to position himself as an heir to the Harris legacy: They both previously served as California attorneys general. 'The vice president and I have been together in this fight to restore the American Dream for a long time,' Becerra said in a statement. ''I'm proud of our shared record — expanding health care for millions of Americans, bringing down the cost of prescription drugs, tackling our country's mental health crisis and defending reproductive freedom.' Harris' decision 'reshapes this race for governor, but not the stakes,' he added. Because of Harris' potential candidacy, the contest had been in a slow-walk for months. Now, following her decision, campaigns will be chasing her supporters while reevaluating a field in which Harris will not be taking part. Fundraising emails jammed inboxes. Democratic consultant Michael Trujillo, a former aide to Democratic candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, said voters loyal to Harris are going to have to rethink their choices while looking at candidates they might not know much about in a large and growing field. 'I think everyone is picking up points from Kamala's voters now that she is not an option,' Trujillo said. 'There now is more oxygen for everyone else.' California is known as the epicenter of the so-called Trump resistance. The race will unfold with President Donald Trump dominating daily headlines as his administration battles the liberal-leaning state over health care funding for lower-income residents, immigration and environmental protection. More than half of voters think the state is headed in the wrong direction, with many households vexed by inflation, notorious taxes and some of the nation's highest utility bills. Soaring rents and housing prices are driving residents to other, more affordable states. The state budget is expected to be in the red in coming years. And billions in spending on homelessness has done little to check the crisis. But the primary election is not until June 2, so it is impossible to know what will be motivating voters in 10 months. Republicans see glimmers of hope Long-suffering Republicans in the state have been heartened by last year's elections, in which the heavily Democratic state displayed a slight rightward shift. While Harris — a former San Francisco prosecutor, state attorney general and U.S. senator — won the state in a landslide, she fell well short of former President Joe Biden's vote totals in 2020 while Trump picked off a string of counties that eluded him four years earlier. Among the candidates, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a statement that Harris realized 'the status quo is impossible to defend.' And conservative commentator Steve Hilton welcomed Harris' decision and said 'after 15 years of one-party Democrat rule, everyone can see it's time for change in California.' As is the case in high-profile races for governor, a long list of candidates — some known, others not — fills out the ballot. California has what is known as a top-two primary system, in which all candidates appear on the same primary ballot regardless of political party, but only the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election, regardless of party. Other Democrats in the mix include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis; former state controller Betty Yee; former state Senate leader Toni Atkins; state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond; and real estate developer Stephen Cloobeck. Rich outsider could shake up race In California, home to some of the nation's richest Americans, it is always possible a wealthy outsider could shake up the race. That was the case in 2010, when billionaire Republican Meg Whitman spent nearly $180 million, much of it her own money, but lost to Democrat Jerry Brown, a former governor. Newsom — who has not endorsed a successor — was asked Thursday what he thought of the possibility that he and Harris, old friends from the San Francisco Bay Area, might meet again in the 2028 presidential race. Harris has not ruled out another run for the presidency after falling short in 2020 and 2024. Newsom is widely seen as positioning himself for a run in 2028 though he has veered away from speculating about his political future. 'We'll see where fate brings all of us,' Newsom told reporters. 'I'm looking forward to what she does next.' ___ Associated Press writer Tran Nguyen in Sacramento contributed.
Hamilton Spectator
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
2026 race for California governor goes into new gear and directions with Kamala Harris out
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After months of uncertainty, the race to become California's next governor started Thursday. Former Vice President Kamala Harris' decision Wednesday to bypass the 2026 contest pushed the campaign into a new phase, lacking its biggest potential star and the presumptive early favorite. Harris' formal exit opens the door for additional candidates to venture in, while scrambling a crowded field with no dominant candidate. 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. Democrats hold a nearly 2-to-1 advantage over registered Republicans statewide. 'The starting gun just popped,' said Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta, calling it the first truly wide-open governor's race in over a quarter-century. 'The race is on.' Other Democrats work to position themselves Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter moved quickly to establish herself as a leading contender, as her campaign pleaded for donations to 'solidify Katie as the Democratic front-runner.' Former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra sought to position himself as an heir to the Harris legacy: They both previously served as California attorneys general. 'The vice president and I have been together in this fight to restore the American Dream for a long time,' Becerra said in a statement. ''I'm proud of our shared record — expanding health care for millions of Americans, bringing down the cost of prescription drugs, tackling our country's mental health crisis and defending reproductive freedom.' Harris' decision 'reshapes this race for governor, but not the stakes,' he added. Because of Harris' potential candidacy, the contest had been in a slow-walk for months. Now, following her decision, campaigns will be chasing her supporters while reevaluating a field in which Harris will not be taking part. Fundraising emails jammed inboxes. Democratic consultant Michael Trujillo, a former aide to Democratic candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, said voters loyal to Harris are going to have to rethink their choices while looking at candidates they might not know much about in a large and growing field. 'I think everyone is picking up points from Kamala's voters now that she is not an option,' Trujillo said. 'There now is more oxygen for everyone else.' California is known as the epicenter of the so-called Trump resistance. The race will unfold with President Donald Trump dominating daily headlines as his administration battles the liberal-leaning state over health care funding for lower-income residents, immigration and environmental protection. More than half of voters think the state is headed in the wrong direction, with many households vexed by inflation, notorious taxes and some of the nation's highest utility bills. Soaring rents and housing prices are driving residents to other, more affordable states. The state budget is expected to be in the red in coming years. And billions in spending on homelessness has done little to check the crisis. But the primary election is not until June 2, so it is impossible to know what will be motivating voters in 10 months. Republicans see glimmers of hope Long-suffering Republicans in the state have been heartened by last year's elections, in which the heavily Democratic state displayed a slight rightward shift. While Harris — a former San Francisco prosecutor, state attorney general and U.S. senator — won the state in a landslide, she fell well short of former President Joe Biden's vote totals in 2020 while Trump picked off a string of counties that eluded him four years earlier. Among the candidates, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a statement that Harris realized 'the status quo is impossible to defend.' And conservative commentator Steve Hilton welcomed Harris' decision and said 'after 15 years of one-party Democrat rule, everyone can see it's time for change in California.' As is the case in high-profile races for governor, a long list of candidates — some known, others not — fills out the ballot. California has what is known as a top-two primary system, in which all candidates appear on the same primary ballot regardless of political party, but only the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election, regardless of party. Other Democrats in the mix include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis; former state controller Betty Yee; former state Senate leader Toni Atkins; state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond; and real estate developer Stephen Cloobeck. Rich outsider could shake up race In California, home to some of the nation's richest Americans, it is always possible a wealthy outsider could shake up the race. That was the case in 2010, when billionaire Republican Meg Whitman spent nearly $180 million, much of it her own money, but lost to Democrat Jerry Brown, a former governor. Newsom — who has not endorsed a successor — was asked Thursday what he thought of the possibility that he and Harris, old friends from the San Francisco Bay Area, might meet again in the 2028 presidential race. Harris has not ruled out another run for the presidency after falling short in 2020 and 2024. Newsom is widely seen as positioning himself for a run in 2028 though he has veered away from speculating about his political future. 'We'll see where fate brings all of us,' Newsom told reporters. 'I'm looking forward to what she does next.' ___ Associated Press writer Tran Nguyen in Sacramento contributed. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. 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Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Harris says she won't run for California governor
Washington — Former Vice President Kamala Harris won't run for California governor next year, she announced Wednesday afternoon in a statement. "In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor," the 60-year-old Oakland native and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee said. "I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I've decided that I will not run for governor in this election." "For now, my leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office," she added. Declining a gubernatorial bid gives Harris a window to run for president in 2028. Since Harris' defeat in her truncated 2024 presidential run, which followed then-President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid, the Democratic Party has wondered what Harris' next political move will be. In May, sources familiar with Harris' thinking said she was weighing a campaign to be California's chief executive, a third run for the White House or not seeking elected office. Harris announced on Thursday that she's written a book about her 2024 campaign that will be released in September. It's called "107 Days," highlighting the breakneck pace of her last-minute bid for the presidency. "What the world saw on the campaign trail was only part of the story," she wrote. "My new book is a behind-the-scenes look at my experience leading the shortest presidential campaign in modern history. 107 Days is out on September 23. I can't wait for you to read it." A source close to Vice President Kamala Harris told CBS News that while Harris "seriously considered" a run for California governor in 2026, she ultimately decided against it — concluding she can have more impact for her party on a national stage and that her "heart wasn't into running for governor". "She grappled with it," the source said about a possible gubernatorial bid. "There were a lot of conversations over the last few months. But she's been a public servant for her whole career." The source said she wants to take time to experience life as a private citizen. According to the source, Harris felt tempted by the idea of leading her home state, but instead, she is finding other ways to remain engaged in public life — including potentially writing a book, launching her nonprofit and traveling the country to campaign for Democratic candidates ahead of the 2026 midterms. "She genuinely has not decided about a 2028 presidential run," the source said, adding the decision not to seek the governorship "keeps the door open" for a potential run in 2028. Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are back in California. Emhoff returned to private law practice, and he teaches at the University of Southern California. Below is Harris' full statement: "Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation's history, and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear. I am a devout public servant, and from the earliest days of my career, I have believed that the best way I could make a difference in people's lives and fight for a better future was to improve the system from within. And it has been a profound honor to do that work and serve the people of California and our nation—as a prosecutor, Attorney General, United States Senator, and Vice President. In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor. I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I've decided that I will not run for Governor in this election. I have extraordinary admiration and respect for those who dedicate their lives to public service—service to their communities and to our nation. At the same time, we must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis. As we look ahead, we must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking—committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook. For now, my leadership—and public service—will not be in elected office. 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. In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight." Watch: Hawaii Gov. Josh Green gives update on tsunami warning Forensics expert analysis of Jeffrey Epstein jail video contradicts government's claims Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi gives tsunami warning update
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor in 2026
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will not run for California governor next year, leaving open the possibility that she could mount a third run for the White House in 2028. Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation's history and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear, Harris said in a statement released by her office Wednesday. I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor. I love this state, its people and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I've decided that I will not run for Governor in this election, she said. Harris' decision extends a guessing game about her political future that started after she lost last year's presidential election to Donald Trump. Harris spent months privately considering whether to run for governor, stage another run for the White House or step away from electoral politics altogether after her bruising defeat by Trump. She has not ruled out another run for president, after unsuccessful bids in 2020 and 2024. It's not known when she will make that decision. In her statement, Harris never mentions Trump directly but said our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis. For now, my leadership and public service will not be in elected office. 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 added. In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight, the statement said. Harris would have entered the crowded contest to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom as a front-runner given her widespread name recognition, fundraising prowess and track record of winning statewide elections. Before serving as US senator and vice president, she was elected state attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco. But after years in Washington on the national and international stage, it was never clear if Harris was interested in returning to the less-glamorous world of statehouse politics in Sacramento. Outside California, Harris' political career has been marked by historic firsts but also disappointments. Harris sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, but dropped out of the race before the leadoff Iowa caucuses the first defeat of her political career. After Joe Biden chose her as his running mate, she made history as the first woman, Black person or person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. In 2024, Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden left the race months before Election Day and endorsed her. She lost that race to Trump, who won every swing state. Harris faces some uncertainty if she chooses to make another White House run. Harris would have to convince national Democrats that she's the face of the party's future, despite losing to Trump last fall. She also carries the baggage of being tied to Biden, whom Democrats have increasingly criticised for seeking a second term rather than stepping aside. Biden's legacy was tarnished as he left office, and since then new questions have swirled about his physical and mental abilities as his term ended. The 2028 presidential contest is expected to attract a large field, which could potentially include Newsom. Any candidate will have to unify a fractious Democratic Party with low approval ratings that is struggling to slow Trump's agenda in Washington. In her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January, Harris said in a San Francisco speech that Trump's leadership represented a wholesale abandonment of American ideals. Harris' decision not to seek the governorship keeps the contest to replace Newsom wide open. The Democratic field includes former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra and a handful of state officeholders. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
American Press
a day ago
- Politics
- American Press
Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will not run for California governor next year, leaving open the possibility that she could mount a third run for the White House in 2028. 'Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation's history and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear,' Harris said in a statement released by her office Wednesday. 'I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor. I love this state, its people and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I've decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,' she said. Harris' decision extends a guessing game about her political future that started after she lost last year's presidential election to Donald Trump. Harris spent months privately considering whether to run for governor, stage another run for the White House or step away from electoral politics altogether after her bruising defeat by Trump. She has not ruled out another run for president, after unsuccessful bids in 2020 and 2024. It's not known when she will make that decision. In her statement, Harris never mentions Trump directly but said 'our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis.' 'For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office. 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 added. 'In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight,' the statement said. Harris would have entered the crowded contest to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom as a front-runner given her widespread name recognition, fundraising prowess and track record of winning statewide elections. Before serving as U.S. senator and vice president, she was elected state attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco. But after years in Washington on the national and international stage, it was never clear if Harris was interested in returning to the less-glamorous world of statehouse politics in Sacramento. Outside California, Harris' political career has been marked by historic firsts but also disappointments. Harris sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, but dropped out of the race before the leadoff Iowa caucuses — the first defeat of her political career. After Joe Biden chose her as his running mate, she made history as the first woman, Black person or person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. In 2024, Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden left the race months before Election Day and endorsed her. She lost that race to Trump, who won every swing state. Harris faces some uncertainty if she chooses to make another White House run. Harris would have to convince national Democrats that she's the face of the party's future, despite losing to Trump last fall. She also carries the baggage of being tied to Biden, whom Democrats have increasingly criticized for seeking a second term rather than stepping aside. Biden's legacy was tarnished as he left office, and since then new questions have swirled about his physical and mental abilities as his term ended. The 2028 presidential contest is expected to attract a large field, which could potentially include Newsom. Any candidate will have to unify a fractious Democratic Party with low approval ratings that is struggling to slow Trump's agenda in Washington. In her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January, Harris said in a San Francisco speech that Trump's leadership represented a ' wholesale abandonment ' of American ideals. Harris' decision not to seek the governorship keeps the contest to replace Newsom wide open. The Democratic field includes former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra and a handful of state officeholders.
