If Kamala loses this one, it’s going to be humiliating.
Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) recently shared his thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris’s political future, offering a blunt assessment of her chances if she were to run for governor of California in 2026. Appearing on Fox News’s America’s Newsroom Monday, McCarthy expressed skepticism about Harris’s ability to win the race, even if she sought to replace the term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom (D).
McCarthy pointed out that the Democratic Party is currently struggling to find its direction and noted that Harris, despite her prominent position in national politics, would face significant challenges in a gubernatorial race. “If she came back to California, she would not win the race for governor,” he said, emphasizing that Harris would need to seriously reconsider her political strategy.
Harris, who has served as California’s attorney general and U.S. senator before becoming Vice President, has a mixed record in statewide races. While she won her Senate seat in 2016 and was re-elected as attorney general in 2014, her 2020 presidential bid ended in early withdrawal, raising questions about her ability to succeed in long campaigns. McCarthy highlighted this history of struggles, suggesting that Harris has not demonstrated the political strength necessary to handle a protracted battle for the governor’s mansion.
Although McCarthy acknowledged that Harris is young enough to have another chapter in her career, he advised her to reconsider her approach. He suggested she take time to reflect on her political goals, rebuild her platform, and focus on key issues that could resonate with voters. “The way you come back is really about an issue and an idea to make the country better,” McCarthy added, recommending Harris take a break and rethink her strategy before pursuing future political ambitions.
While some Democrats continue to speculate about a potential presidential run for Harris in 2028, McCarthy remains doubtful about her ability to overcome the challenges that have defined her political career. With a crowded field of potential Democratic candidates for California governor and no woman having ever held the position, Harris may face a tough path forward in 2026, no matter how she chooses to position herself.