Kamala Harris fuels rumours about a new presidential run

The 60-year-old has kept a low profile since her election wipe-out against Donald Trump, after being drafted in by the desperate Democrats.

Kamala Harris gestures as she delivers a concession speech for the 2024 presidential election, in November. Picture: AP

Kamala Harris has ruled herself out of the race to become governor of California, fuelling speculation about another presidential run.

The former vice-president, who is from San Francisco, had been tipped to succeed Gavin Newsom, who is in his final term.

However, Harris announced she would not be running next year.

“After deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for governor in this election,” she said in a statement shared to X. “For now, my leadership – and public service – will not be in elected office.”

In her statement, Harris did not mention Donald Trump directly but alluded to his presidency, saying: “Our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis.

“I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.

“In the United States of America, power must lie with the people. And We, the People must use our power to fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and the dignity of all. I will remain in that fight.”

Harris, 60, the first female and first black vice-president, became the Democratic candidate last August only three months before the election after President Biden bowed to pressure from his party to stand down.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris before their presidential debate in September. Picture: AFP

Her initial bump in the polls soon fell away and she lost to Trump after failing to win any of the swing states needed for victory.

She has kept a low profile since the election as she consulted with colleagues and pollsters about her prospects in the California governor’s race next November and the presidential election in 2028. But first she will have to do what she avoided last year and win a party primary.

Although there are many governors, members of Congress and others being talked about as a new party leader, Harris has remained the favoured candidate for the 2028 election among Democrats.

In April, she was named by 28 per cent of respondents to a YouGov poll for The Times, ahead of her nearest rival, the former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, on 9 per cent.

But another White House run, which would be her third after a flop in 2020 when she pulled out before the first primary votes, would pitch her against Newsom, a strong California rival.

The Times