### California Gubernatorial Hopefuls Vie for Attention as Kamala Harris Stays Under the Radar

As the weekend convention of the California Democratic Party unfolded in Anaheim, numerous gubernatorial candidates were actively engaging delegates, hoping to stand out in the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026. Notably absent from the limelight was former Vice President Kamala Harris, whose political future continues to be a subject of speculation.

Harris, who has maintained a low profile since returning to California, may contemplate a gubernatorial run, but she also keeps open the possibility of a presidential bid in 2028. Despite her brief video message to delegates, which received initial cheers but did little to hold their attention, Harris's presence was more spectral than tangible.

Dialogue among the party faithful revealed mixed feelings about Harris’s potential gubernatorial candidacy. Many delegates, like Pasadena delegate Denise Robb, expressed admiration for her past leadership but noted her relative invisibility post-presidential race. Robb, who campaigned extensively for Harris, voiced a desire for a more visibly proactive and progressive nominee.

Amanda Day, a delegate from Merced, exemplified the ambivalence some feel. While she supported Harris during the presidential race, she leans toward backing former congresswoman Katie Porter in the gubernatorial contest, citing Porter's relatable discussions on financial struggles and high living costs in California.

Challenges await Harris should she wish to reenter California politics, not the least of which is scrutiny over her tenure as California's attorney general, marked by high incarceration rates among Black and Hispanic communities. These criticisms surfaced during her 2019 presidential campaign and are expected to resurface should she announce her gubernatorial ambitions.

The gubernatorial field remains competitive and diverse. Besides Porter, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra have affirmed they will stay in the race regardless of Harris's decision. Villaraigosa highlighted his advocacy for a broad energy policy and criticized Harris’s campaign messaging as disconnected from the lives of working-class voters.

Becerra underscored his executive experience running a vast public health agency during the COVID-19 pandemic, positioning himself as a capable leader for California's sizable economy. Notably, some delegates, like 82-year-old Jimmie Woods-Gray, found Becerra's approachable demeanor appealing but remained undecided, waiting for Harris to clarify her intentions.

In the meantime, the gubernatorial hopefuls continued their vigorous campaigns, seeking to make lasting impressions on party insiders as Harris’s silence lingered over the convention. Delegates, eager for clarity, continue to speculate on whether Harris will enter the race, knowing her decision could significantly impact the Democratic field.