Introduction to the Question of Kamala Harris’ Interest in the California Governor Position

The big question in California politics is, “Will Kamala Harris run for governor?” But that’s the wrong question. Far more important is, “Should she?” And that’s not a question to be answered based strictly on her prospects for winning. Initially, at least, the former vice president would be the heavy favorite to succeed termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom — although, eventually, she could find herself in a tough election fight next year.

What the State Needs in a Governor

Rather, the answer should be determined based on what strengths, goals and ideas she would bring to the table — her specific plans for fixing California’s enormous problems, her eagerness to fight even political allies to achieve her objectives and her own desire to lead the state’s comeback. She shouldn’t view the job as a consolation prize after losing the presidential election to Donald Trump. Voters would smell that and, anyway, Harris would be miserably bored in the state Capitol dealing with budget minutiae and relatively inexperienced legislative leaders.

Display of Interest and Plans

So far, since returning from Washington to her native state, Harris, 60, has displayed none of the above criteria that California needs in its next governor. But neither did she previously in any noteworthy way as a U.S. senator or — particularly — state attorney general. As attorney general, Harris refused to take positions on important ballot measures, including those dealing with her role as California’s so-called top cop — propositions to stiffen criminal sentences and both abolish and expedite the death penalty. Harris has a record of being overly cautious about taking positions that could alienate interests she deems important to her political career.

California’s Pressing Issues

Sure, Harris isn’t running for anything right now. So, she deserves a pass on issuing 10-point plans to patch up the state. But, look, you don’t need to be a gubernatorial candidate to express concerns about your state. Any resident who’s conscious should be alarmed. “Home prices have skyrocketed as supply slumped over the past three decades,” the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California noted in a report last week. California’s median home price in March was $884,000 — very tough if not impossible for many middle-class families. The housing shortage is largely due to over-regulation, tangled red tape that slows issuance of building permits and abuse of California’s environmental protection laws. There’s a strong move in the Legislature to ease regulations, but it’s highly controversial. Does Harris have a thought on this? Homeowner insurance rates are rising fast in the aftermath of wildfires. And in many fire-prone regions, traditional policies are impossible to obtain. The next governor needs to fix this.

Poverty, Homelessness, and Taxes

California’s poverty rate is the nation’s highest when the cost of living is considered, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Despite our spending many billions of dollars and regardless of ugly finger-pointing at each other by Newsom and local officials, 187,000 Californians are homeless — a 35% increase in 17 years. That’s the highest in the nation — only partly because we’ve got the largest population. Gasoline prices are roughly $1.60 a gallon higher in California than the U.S. average. And two oil refineries are planning to shut down, invariably hiking pump prices even higher. We’re a high-tax state, a fact Newsom is in denial about. We lean too heavily on the wealthy for tax revenue and that produces roller-coaster budget deficits and surpluses depending on the stock market. It’s ridiculous. State taxes should be modernized. But no politician has the guts to attempt that.

Harris’ Silence on Key Issues

Does Harris have anything to say about any of this? She hasn’t so far. Of course, the seven leading announced Democratic candidates have been practically mute themselves on matters that risk aggravating party interest groups. One exception is former Los Angeles Mayor and state Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, who has been bolder than most of his rivals. Harris has said she’ll decide by the end of summer whether to run for governor in 2026. Maybe she’ll seek the presidency again in 2028 or retire from politics and make a bundle in the private sector.

Conclusion

Harris could help herself and California’s voters, however, by occasionally voicing some anxiety about her home state. The little we’ve heard from her this year are attacks on Trump. She also has been lending her name to anti-Trump fundraising appeals by the Democratic National Committee. But the last thing California Democrats need is another politician — especially a potential governor — telling them that Trump is an evil, ignorant con artist. They’re fully aware of that. They need someone who can tell them how their state can be fixed. If she ran, Harris would be the initial favorite because of her broad name recognition, past election successes in California and fundraising ability. Some current candidates would probably drop out. But there doesn’t seem to be a public clamoring for her to run. Harris needs to start showing people why she should even consider seeking the job. Because, so far, she’s sounding more like a 2028 presidential retread.

FAQs

• Q: Is Kamala Harris likely to run for governor of California?
  A: The article suggests that while Harris is a potential candidate, her interest and commitment to the role are unclear.
• Q: What are some of the major issues facing California that a new governor would need to address?
  A: Issues include a housing shortage, rising homeowner insurance rates, high poverty and homelessness rates, and the need for tax reform.
• Q: Has Harris expressed her views on these issues?
  A: According to the article, Harris has not publicly addressed these issues or shown significant interest in them.
• Q: How does Harris’ potential candidacy compare to other Democratic candidates?
  A: The article mentions that Harris would initially be a favorite due to her name recognition and past successes, but notes that other candidates, like Antonio Villaraigosa, have been more vocal on key issues.
• Q: What does the article conclude about Harris’ potential run for governor?
  A: The article concludes that Harris needs to demonstrate more interest in the state’s issues and a genuine desire to lead California’s comeback if she is to be considered a serious candidate for governor.