California Attorney General Rob Bonta has voiced his support for former Vice President Kamala Harris if she chooses to run for California governor in 2026. Bonta, who has held the Attorney General position since 2021, also confirmed his own intention to seek re-election next year, ending speculation about his gubernatorial ambitions.
In a recent interview, Bonta expressed his strong support for a potential Harris governorship, describing her as a "great governor" and a "field-clearing" candidate. He emphasized his consistent support for Harris throughout her career, though he clarified that he hasn't discussed the 2026 race directly with her.
This announcement comes as current Governor Gavin Newsom faces term limits, preventing him from seeking another term in 2026. Harris's potential entry into the race adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive field of Democratic candidates.
Harris's political background includes serving as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, and U.S. Senator for California before becoming Vice President. Since her and President Biden's election loss to Donald Trump in 2024, speculation has swirled about her future political aspirations, including a potential gubernatorial run or another presidential bid in 2028. While sources close to Harris indicate no final decisions have been made, her recent message to the Democratic National Committee, pledging her continued involvement, suggests ongoing political ambitions.
The California gubernatorial race is already shaping up to be a crowded one, with several prominent Democrats vying for the position. Among the contenders are Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis (a Harris ally), former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and potentially former Representative Katie Porter and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
