Trump beat Kamala so bad she’s too scared to do anything it appears.
The suspense surrounding whether Kamala Harris will enter the California gubernatorial race in 2028 is paralyzing the state’s political landscape. As the term of Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom nears its end, Democrats are left in limbo, unable to fully plan for the next election without knowing if the former vice president will decide to run.
Despite Harris remaining tight-lipped about her post-White House plans, her potential candidacy looms large over the race. According to California political experts, the waiting game is holding up the entire field. “The race is effectively on hold until she makes a decision,” said Steven Maviglio, a Democratic strategist. With Harris still a household name and a dominant figure in national politics, other candidates face difficulty gaining traction. They are hesitant to seek endorsements or big donations, fearing that a late Harris entry could shift the entire dynamic.
Harris, who has deep roots in California, including serving as San Francisco District Attorney, State Attorney General, and U.S. Senator, is seen as the presumptive favorite should she run. Her national recognition and fundraising capabilities place her in a powerful position to dominate the race. But while she has yet to announce her intentions, the former vice president continues to top early polls. Her potential candidacy is already causing a ripple effect across the state’s political scene, with other Democratic hopefuls like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond finding it hard to gain momentum.
On the Republican side, there’s growing optimism that Harris’s entry could create an opening for GOP candidates. Richard Grenell, former U.S. Ambassador and Trump ally, has suggested that the “baggage” Harris carries would make her vulnerable in a gubernatorial race. Another name emerging as a potential Republican contender is Rick Caruso, a businessman-turned-politician with deep pockets and a history of criticizing California’s leadership, especially regarding the state’s handling of wildfires.
While California has long been a Democratic stronghold, the 2028 race presents a unique opportunity for Republicans to chip away at the state’s liberal dominance. With the state’s top-two primary system, it’s possible that two Democrats could face off in the general election, or the race could see a more traditional Republican vs. Democrat battle.
Though a Republican victory in California’s governorship would be a tough challenge, the GOP is sensing a potential opening. From the backlash against Governor Newsom’s handling of the state’s crises to the fallout from Los Angeles’ disastrous wildfires, there’s a sense that public dissatisfaction might give Republicans a chance to make inroads.
Ultimately, all eyes are on Kamala Harris, as her decision could reshape California’s political future for years to come. For Republicans, it may be a rare opportunity to disrupt the dominance of the Democratic Party in the state.