Kamala Harris’ decision not to enter the governor’s race is an immense victory for her would-be Democratic opponents, unlocking troves of donors who had been waiting for her announcement and voters who almost universally know the former vice president.

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

Harris announced on Wednesday she is not running for governor in the 2026 election to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot run again due to term limits. Harris enjoyed an early polling lead in the race, and some Democrats speculated that if she chose to run, others would have exited the race, deciding not to compete against her.