LOS ANGELES — Kamala Harris is not done with national politics — not yet.

The former Vice President and two-time presidential contender confirmed Wednesday that she will not enter the 2026 race to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom, ending months of speculation over whether she’d return to state politics or continue eyeing a return to the White House.

“After deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” Harris said in a statement released by her office. “I love this state, its people and its promise. It is my home.”

Harris’ decision leaves the California field wide open — and ignites new speculation about her future. Specifically: Will she run for president again in 2028?

The announcement caps a half-year of internal deliberation and a guessing game that began after Harris lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump. Her path to the nomination that year was unconventional and fraught — she was elevated to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Biden dropped out late in the race and endorsed her. But Harris, already a historical figure as the first woman, Black, and South Asian vice president, failed to hold off Trump’s sweeping victories across all swing states.

She has remained largely out of the public spotlight since leaving office in January, making few statements and avoiding the usual television rounds. But Wednesday’s statement struck a more assertive tone, suggesting she is not retreating from the national stage.

“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office,” Harris wrote. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”

She never mentioned Trump by name but left little doubt about her continued opposition to his administration. “Our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis,” she said.

The crisis she refers to is not only the resurgence of Trumpism, but also the internal fractures within the Democratic Party. After Biden’s late-stage exit and Harris’ subsequent defeat, Democrats have struggled to present a unified message — or a clear successor.

Harris’ ties to Biden — once her greatest asset — now present a complicated legacy. While she remained loyal during their four years in office, she inherits criticism over the administration’s faltering messaging, pandemic policy controversies, and a party seen as out of touch by many voters.

Still, she remains one of the most recognizable Democratic figures in the country, with a base of support among women, Black voters, and progressives. And she may not be the only Californian with national aspirations. Should she run in 2028, she could face a familiar opponent in Gov. Newsom, who has openly sparred with GOP figures and has long been floated as a future presidential contender.

A third run for the presidency would be an uphill climb for Harris. Her 2020 campaign flamed out before the Iowa caucuses, and her 2024 nomination was more a matter of party necessity than primary victory. But with four years to rebuild her image, travel the country, and galvanize Democratic voters, Harris could emerge as a powerful voice in a fractured party searching for identity.

In the meantime, the race for California’s governorship moves forward without her. Prominent names like former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra are among the likely Democratic contenders.

Villaraigosa responded to Harris’ announcement Wednesday with a statement that hinted she’s not done with public service: “Her decision reflects her continued commitment to serving at the highest levels of government.”

Indeed, Harris’ political career has been a series of historic moments — and political rebirths. If she chooses to run again in 2028, she will need to convince a skeptical party, a weary electorate, and herself that a third time’s the charm.

Until then, she leaves the door wide open.