Summer of Decisions: Kamala Harris and the Big California Question
While many people see summer as the season to kick back — think barbecues, beach trips, and lazy afternoons — for Kamala Harris, this summer feels more like a crossroads. She’s staring down some pretty huge decisions about her political future. After more than two decades chasing elected office, is she ready to hang up her hat? Or is she gearing up for a new challenge — like a 2026 run for California governor? Or maybe, just maybe, another shot at the White House in 2028?
The buzz around Harris isn’t just speculation. According to people close to her, she’s genuinely torn. On one hand, there’s a deep affection for her home state of California — and a desire to serve it directly. On the other, there’s still that undeniable hunger to be president, a goal she’s pursued twice before and hasn’t quite let go of.
Why the Governor’s Race Is the Most Pressing
Out of all the options swirling in her mind, the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom is the hottest topic. Newsom, a fellow Democrat, is term-limited, and the field to take over the governor’s mansion is already crowded — with about 10 serious candidates in the mix.
Harris, with her nationwide name recognition and fundraising muscle, can technically wait a bit longer than most before jumping in. But the reality is, a serious run for governor can’t just be whipped up overnight. She’ll need months of preparation, building a campaign infrastructure and connecting with voters across the vast state. That means a public decision is coming soon — no more waiting on the sidelines.
What Harris Must Avoid
If she does decide to run, there are some key pitfalls she absolutely must steer clear of. The last thing California voters want to see is any hint of arrogance or entitlement — or worse, a governor who treats the office as just a stepping stone to another presidential campaign. Harris will need to come across as 100% committed to serving the people of California, for the full four years.
You can almost hear the campaign promise already: “I will serve a full term as governor and won’t treat this role as a pit stop on my way back to the White House.” If she doesn’t put that kind of commitment front and center, voters will have every reason to write her off. California needs a governor with eyes on the job, not on the next political prize.
The Big Question: Why Does She Want This Job?
But even beyond commitment, Harris faces a tougher challenge: she needs a compelling reason why she wants to be governor. “Because it’s there” — like some climbers tackling Mt. Everest — won’t cut it.
Let’s rewind to a famous political stumble for a moment. Back in November 1979, Senator Ted Kennedy was gearing up for a surprise presidential bid against the sitting, and very unpopular, President Jimmy Carter. Early in his campaign, Kennedy did a TV interview that has since become infamous for how badly he flubbed the simplest question: “Why do you want to be president?”
His answer? A rambling two-minute speech packed with buzzwords like “natural resources,” “technology,” “inflation,” and “innovation.” It was as clear as mud and about as inspiring as soggy celery. Kennedy was expected to soar in that race — the grassroots energy was electric — but after that interview, his momentum took a serious hit.
Political strategist Dan Schnur, who teaches communications and political science at USC and Berkeley, uses that interview as a cautionary tale. “Kennedy was on a rocket ship, and then he just couldn’t answer the most basic question,” Schnur said. “It cost him.”
Harris should definitely take that lesson seriously.
The Numbers Look Good — But That’s Not Enough
Polling isn’t bad for Harris. A recent survey from the L.A. Times and UC Berkeley gave her about a 50% approval rating among Californians. That’s decent, but far from a runaway favorite. Still, California’s top-two election system means she’d likely cruise into a runoff, and given the state’s strong Democratic leanings, if a Republican makes it through as the other finalist, Harris would be in a solid spot to win.
But here’s the kicker: just because the numbers look decent doesn’t mean Harris should be governor. The job isn’t about popularity or a default win.
Does Kamala Really Want to Be Governor?
People close to Harris wonder how much she actually wants the job. When the governorship and a Senate seat both opened up in 2015, Harris was attorney general. She chose to run for Senate — a decision driven by both family reasons and the bigger national platform it offered. It was a calculated career move, not a burning passion for Sacramento.
That history makes it crucial for Harris to explain why she’s even interested in the governor’s office this time around. Voters deserve to hear a clear, honest answer: why is this her moment to lead California? What is her vision for the state?
Crafting a Core Purpose
It’s easy to whip up a catchy campaign slogan or phrase that polls well, but that’s not the real challenge. As Schnur points out, the hard part is finding a core purpose — a reason that resonates deeply with voters and can be summed up in a simple, powerful sentence.
Harris has the smarts and the team to come up with polished messaging. But what she really needs is that authentic core message — the “why” behind her run.
Summer: Time to Reflect and Decide
This summer is going to be a real turning point for Kamala Harris. She has time to dig deep and figure out what she truly wants — and why she’d be the best person to lead California forward. If she can’t find that clarity, California voters will need to look elsewhere.
Because at the end of the day, the governor’s office deserves someone who’s all in — not someone with one foot out the door dreaming about the next big political jump.
Quick Summary — What Kamala Harris Faces This Summer:
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Decision Time: Stay in politics or step back after 20+ years?
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Governor’s Race: Most urgent question — should she challenge to replace Gavin Newsom?
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Campaign Reality: Mounting a serious run requires a full-scale campaign — not a last-minute jump in.
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Avoid Pitfalls: Must show 100% commitment to California, no “stepping stone” vibes.
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Why Run?: Needs a clear, compelling reason to want the job beyond name recognition.
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Lessons from History: Remember Ted Kennedy’s disastrous “Why do you want to be president?” answer.
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Polls & Popularity: Decent approval, but not a reason alone to be governor.
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Personal Drive: Does she truly want the job, or is it just a fallback?
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Core Message: The key challenge — finding and clearly explaining her “why.”
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Time to Reflect: Summer is her moment to decide — Californians deserve clarity.
If Kamala Harris nails her message and shows real dedication, she could be a strong contender for California’s top job. But if she can’t commit fully or articulate her purpose, voters will likely look elsewhere. The clock’s ticking, and this summer could define her political future.
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