Richard Grenell, a former Trump administration official, is considering a run for California Governor in 2026, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown with Vice President Kamala Harris.
At a Glance
- Richard Grenell may run for California Governor if Kamala Harris enters the race
- Grenell believes Harris’s political baggage could give Republicans a chance in California
- Harris leads potential Democratic candidates in recent polls
- California’s open primary system could lead to unexpected outcomes
- The 2026 race is shaping up to be highly competitive with diverse candidates
Grenell Eyes Gubernatorial Bid
Richard Grenell, a prominent figure from the Trump administration, has signaled his interest in running for California Governor in 2026. His potential candidacy is contingent on former Vice President Kamala Harris entering the race, a move that could dramatically alter the political landscape in the Golden State. Grenell, who has served in various high-profile roles including Acting Director of National Intelligence, sees an opportunity for Republicans in a state that has long been a Democratic stronghold.
Grenell’s strategy hinges on the perceived vulnerabilities of Harris as a candidate. He believes that her political history and record could provide ample ammunition for opponents, potentially leveling the playing field for a Republican challenger.
Harris is such a bad candidate that a Republican could finally win California. How about that?
Richard Grenell is open to challenging Kamala Harris for California governor’s race https://t.co/Y1lx6RLZLB
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 15, 2025
Kamala Harris, has a long and storied history in California politics. Her resume includes successful campaigns for Attorney General and U.S. Senator, as well as a presidential bid that ultimately led to her current role. Recent polls, including an Emerson College survey, have positioned Harris as a leading potential Democratic candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race. But Republicans think her poor performance in the presidential election could spell disaster for a campaign in her home state.
“If Kamala Harris runs for governor, I believe that she has such baggage and hundreds of millions of dollars in educating the voters of how terrible she is, that it’s a new day in California, and that the Republican actually has a shot,” Richard Grenell said.
While Harris has not officially announced her intentions, speculation about her political future is rampant. Some pundits suggest that if she were to enter the race, she could potentially clear the Democratic field. However, Harris’s team has remained tight-lipped about her plans, leaving open the possibility of a gubernatorial run in 2026 or even another presidential bid in 2028.
The 2026 California gubernatorial race is already shaping up to be a crowded affair. On the Democratic side, potential candidates include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Rep. Katie Porter. Other names in the mix are former Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, former state Controller Betty Yee, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
Republicans are also gearing up for the challenge. Alongside Grenell, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are considering throwing their hats into the ring. This diverse array of potential candidates reflects the complex political dynamics at play in California, where the open primary system allows the top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election.
On top of all that, former RFK Jr. Vice Presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan is also reportedly eyeing a run for the state, likely as a third-party candidate. And she’s so popular, she herself could be in with a shot…
