Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday that she will not run for governor of California in 2026, ending months of speculation about her political future and potentially positioning herself for another presidential run in 2028.

“I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor,” Harris said in a statement. “But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”

The decision marks a significant turning point for Harris, whose political trajectory has included historic firsts as well as notable defeats. Following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, many had speculated whether she would return to her home state to launch a gubernatorial campaign. Instead, Harris signaled her intention to remain active on the national stage.

“For now, my leadership and public service will not be in elected office,” she said. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation. I will remain in that fight.”

Harris’s rise in politics began in California, where she served as San Francisco District Attorney, then as the state’s Attorney General, and later as U.S. Senator. In 2020, she was elected as the first woman and the first Black and South Asian American vice president. Her historic ascent, however, has also been accompanied by political headwinds. She withdrew from the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before the first votes were cast and later stepped in as the party’s nominee in 2024 after President Joe Biden exited the race. Trump ultimately defeated her, winning key swing states.

By choosing not to reenter California politics, Harris leaves a wide-open race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Among the early contenders are former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and several statewide elected officials.

“She would’ve been a frontrunner if she entered,” said longtime Harris adviser and Democratic strategist Sean Clegg. “But ultimately, this was a gut decision.”

While Harris has not explicitly stated her plans for 2028, her decision not to pursue the governorship suggests she may still have her sights set on the White House.