Napa, CA – Richard Grenell, a former Trump administration official, has suggested he would consider entering the 2026 California gubernatorial race if Vice President Kamala Harris joins the growing list of candidates. Grenell, a staunch Trump loyalist, indicated that he sees a potential opportunity for a Republican victory should Harris decide to run.
In an interview with Politico on Friday, Grenell stated that Harris, who has significant political baggage, could become a vulnerability in the race. “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,” Grenell remarked. He went on to add, “And I wouldn’t say no,” signaling his openness to a potential bid for the state’s top office.
Grenell, who has served in various key roles including Ambassador to Germany and Acting Director of National Intelligence under former President Donald Trump, has remained an influential figure in conservative politics. His previous experience includes traveling to Venezuela to secure the release of six hostages and surveying wildfire damage in California alongside the president. More recently, Grenell was appointed the Kennedy Center’s interim executive director.
Harris, who has not yet officially declared her candidacy for the 2026 race, is reportedly considering running. Recent polling shows Harris as the leading Democratic candidate for governor. According to an Emerson College poll commissioned by KTLA parent company Nexstar Media for The Hill and Inside California Politics, Harris leads other potential contenders in the Democratic field. The poll, which surveyed registered Democrats in California earlier this month, shows Harris as the clear favorite in a crowded race.
While Harris has yet to announce her plans, her political profile remains strong in California. Having won the state in her presidential bid and with successful campaigns for attorney general and U.S. Senate, she enjoys substantial name recognition and a solid political base. However, her candidacy could also bring heightened scrutiny, with critics like Grenell suggesting that her past controversies could impact her campaign’s chances.
California’s current governor, Gavin Newsom, is unable to seek a third term due to state term limits, opening the door for a new gubernatorial candidate in 2026. Several prominent Democrats have already entered the race, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, former State Controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Grenell, who briefly considered running for governor during Newsom’s recall election in 2021, ultimately chose not to file for candidacy. However, his recent comments signal a renewed interest in the race, particularly in light of the potential matchup with Harris.
With the 2026 election still several years away, much remains uncertain. However, Grenell’s remarks suggest that he views the governor’s race as a real opportunity for Republicans, especially if Harris becomes the Democratic standard-bearer. As California’s political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on who ultimately decides to enter the race in what promises to be a highly competitive contest.