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Kamala Harris Steps Aside in 2026 Governor’s Race – All Eyes on 2028
In a move with sweeping national and state implications, former Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not run for California Governor in 2026, keeping her options open for a 2028 presidential campaign.
Her decision resets the Democratic field, where several prominent contenders are expected to compete:
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Katie Porter – former Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate
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Toni Atkins – former Senate President pro Tem
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Antonio Villaraigosa – former Los Angeles Mayor
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Xavier Becerra – U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary and former California Attorney General
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Tony Thurmond – State Superintendent of Public Instruction
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Betty Yee – former State Controller
In a surprise twist, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis announced she will not run for Governor, instead launching a campaign for State Treasurer. Other potential “wild card” candidates include Attorney General Rob Bonta and developer/former L.A. mayoral candidate Rick Caruso.
On the Republican side, names like political commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are gaining attention, though Democrats still enjoy a commanding registration advantage statewide (45.3% Dem / 25.2% GOP / 22.3% No Party Preference).
California’s Redistricting Counterpunch to Texas
California Democrats are moving aggressively in response to Texas Republicans’ recent mid-cycle redistricting. Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders advanced a special election in November 2025 that will put a constitutional amendment before voters, authorizing new congressional maps to be drawn and used through 2030.
The three-bill package:
- Calls a November 2025 special election.
- Establishes new congressional maps favoring Democrats.
- Places a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow legislative redistricting beyond once per decade.
Legal experts argue the U.S. Constitution doesn’t prohibit mid-decade redistricting – only that it must occur at least once per decade. Still, Attorney General Rob Bonta recommended the ballot route as the “safest” legal path.
The stakes are enormous: control of the U.S. House may hinge on California’s maps.
Supporters include U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and organizations like SEIU California, CTA, Planned Parenthood, and the California Federation of Labor.
Senate Democrats Elect Monique Limón as Next Leader
Senate Democrats have chosen Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) as the next Senate President pro Tempore, succeeding Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) when he terms out in 2026.
Elected to the Senate in 2020, Limón represents California’s 21st District, covering Santa Barbara County and portions of Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties.
While she will not formally assume leadership until early 2026, the power dynamics in the Senate are already shifting. Speculation is building around potential changes to top committees – including Budget and Appropriations – though no major reshuffles are expected until after the current session concludes in September.
Bottom Line: California politics are entering a turbulent new phase. With Harris’ decision reshaping the 2026 Governor’s race, Democrats testing the limits of redistricting law, and Senate leadership transitioning, downtown stakeholders should prepare for significant policy and political shifts in the years ahead.
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