Harris announced on Wednesday she is not running for governor in the 2026 election to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot run again due to term limits. Harris enjoyed an early polling lead in the race, and some Democrats speculated that if she chose to run, others would have exited the race, deciding not to compete against her.

The poll, conducted before Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis dropped out and moved to the state treasurer’s race, signaled weakness in her support. Seven percent of voters backed Kounalakis’ gubernatorial bid, and she only attracted 8 percent of would-be Harris voters despite the two sharing Bay Area roots and allies.