New York: US President Donald Trump has offered his take on former Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris’ potential run for California governor in 2026, stating that if she does enter the race, she needs to be more vocal.
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Speaking to OutKick in an interview on Saturday, Trump remarked, “Let her run… I don’t want to be [giving] people advice politically, but one thing she’s gotta start doing is she’s gotta start giving interviews.”
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Trump pointed out that former President Joe Biden had managed to avoid frequent media engagements during the COVID-19 pandemic and still won the 2020 election. However, he suggested that Harris, who was more reserved with interviews during the 2024 presidential campaign, would need a different strategy.
Since her defeat in the 2024 election, speculation has grown about Harris’ next political move. Reports suggest she is considering three options: running for California governor in 2026, preparing for another presidential bid in 2028, or remaining a powerful Democratic figure without seeking elected office.
With California Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, the 2026 gubernatorial race presents a significant opportunity for Harris, who previously served as California’s attorney general before being elected to the US Senate. If she enters the race, she will face stiff competition from high-profile Democratic figures, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and ex-state Senate leader Toni Atkins.
Media strategy and political landscape
During the 2024 campaign, Harris largely avoided major media interactions and steered clear of independent platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast—an approach that differed from Trump’s aggressive media strategy. Trump, with the help of his son Barron, appeared across a range of traditional and independent outlets, engaging with figures such as Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and Andrew Schultz. Meanwhile, his running mate, JD Vance, actively pushed back against media narratives on mainstream networks.
By contrast, Harris’ vice-presidential running mate, Tim Walz, later admitted he was restricted from doing more interviews, possibly contributing to the campaign’s struggles. Trump suggested that his media engagement was a key factor in his political comeback, stating, “What they were doing didn’t work.”
As Harris weighs her next move, political analysts believe her decision will come by the end of the summer. If she joins the race, she will not only have to navigate a crowded Democratic primary but also address concerns about her media presence and public engagement—an area where Trump believes she needs significant improvement.
