Kamala Harris

Commentary

Friends or enemies? Newsom and Harris could face off for president in 2028

Both Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris dropped hints about running for president, revealing complications in their relationship.

By

Dan Walters

• October 28, 2025

State Senate leader Toni Atkins kicked off her gubernatorial campaign with an event in San Diego on Jan. 19, 2024. Photo by Bryan Giardinelli, Breathe New Winds

Commentary

The clock is ticking for those hoping to be California’s next governor

The field of would-be governors remains unsettled. This week Toni Atkins, former president pro tem of the state Senate, joined those who've ended their campaigns.

By

Dan Walters

• October 1, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom wave to the crowd during a campaign rally at the IBEW-NECA training center in San Leandro on Sept. 8, 2021. Newsom faces the recall election next week. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

Longtime frenemies Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom reach career crossroads

Harris and Newsom quickly climbed political ladders in California to ultimately pursue the presidency. At times they've supported or rivaled each other.

By

Dan Walters

• September 25, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. annual convention during the 71st biennial Boule at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas on July 10, 2024. Photo by LM Otero, AP Photo

Commentary

With Kamala Harris out, who will emerge as frontrunner in California governor’s race?

With Kamala Harris out of the picture, the field remains crowded in the race for California governor. There is no clear frontrunner and at least one more potential candidate lurking.

By

Dan Walters

• August 5, 2025

A person stands on a stage, waving to a large crowd at a political rally. They are dressed in a tan suit and positioned behind a podium with a blue sign that reads “HARRIS.” The audience in the background holds signs and cheers, creating a high-energy atmosphere.

Politics

Kamala Harris will not run for California governor in 2026

Ending feverish speculation that began after her loss in November’s presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris said she would not run for California governor.

By

Alexei Koseff

• July 30, 2025

Politics

California may soon ban selling new Glocks like the one Kamala Harris owns

Gov. Gavin Newsom was just given his first handgun. A pending California bill would ban selling new Glocks like the ones Kamala Harris owns. Will he sign it?

By

Ryan Sabalow

• July 28, 2025

A person wearing a dark suit and red tie stands in front of a background filled with American flags. The individual is pointing forward with a determined expression, emphasizing a stance of confidence and focus amidst the patriotic setting.

Commentary

Presidential election reveals big shift in California voting patterns. Will it last?

Kamala Harris' poorer than expected performance with key demographic groups and increases in young voters registering Republican are signs of political change in California.

By

Dan Walters

• July 3, 2025

A panel of nine speakers seated onstage at a “Unionize California” event hold up green cards in unison during a discussion. A red, white, and blue projection of the words "UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA" appears on the curtain behind them as audience members watch from round tables in the foreground.

Commentary

Democrats seeking California governor strut their stuff for powerful union leaders

Seven Democrats running for California governor largely toed the line at a "beauty contest" with powerful labor leaders. But two people not in the room loomed large.

By

Dan Walters

• May 13, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with a view of a crowded arena behind her at a campaign rally.

Commentary

As Harris ponders run for California governor, is she prepared for the daunting job?

California's future governor will have to deal with its housing shortage, homelessness, poverty, uncertain water supply, educational deficiencies and budget deficits.

By

Dan Walters

• April 25, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with as hundreds of supporters stand behind her, waving signs with her name at a campaign rally.

Commentary

As Democratic candidates for governor increase, they wait for Harris to decide

Democratic big-money donors wait to see if former Vice President Kamala Harris will run for governor, which could thin out a crowded primary contest in June.

By

Dan Walters

• April 3, 2025