Former Vice President Kamala Harris rolled out a broad list of endorsements Monday, backing a range of California Democrats ahead of the state’s June primary. The list covered multiple races, but one stood out for its absence: the contest for governor.
That omission hasn’t gone unnoticed. With a crowded and competitive field vying for the top job, an endorsement from Harris could have reshaped the race almost overnight. Instead, she’s taking the same approach as other influential California Democrats who have opted not to get involved.
Harris herself briefly considered running for governor last year. Had she entered the race, she likely would have started as the clear favorite. She ultimately stepped aside, though she has continued to hint at a possible future presidential campaign.
Even without her weighing in, candidates are finding ways to use the moment to their advantage. Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, whose early lead appears to have faded, used Harris’s silence to go after the current Democratic frontrunner, Xavier Becerra.
Becerra, who served as Health and Human Services secretary under President Joe Biden, shares a connection with Harris through their time in the same administration. Still, Steyer’s campaign argues that her decision not to endorse him reflects poorly on his record.
“Becerra’s colleagues in the Biden Administration had a front row seat to his incompetence, so it’s no surprise that they are sitting this one out,” said Kevin Liao, a spokesperson for Steyer.
Becerra’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Harris isn’t alone in staying neutral. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Governor Gavin Newsom have also declined to back any candidate in the race. Pelosi, long seen as a major power broker in California politics, appears uninterested in playing that role this time. Her daughter, Christine Pelosi, suggested as much in a recent comment, saying her mother has already done her part in past elections and won’t be stepping in again.
Newsom has taken a similarly cautious stance. While he has praised the depth of the Democratic field, he has stopped short of endorsing anyone, saying only that he plans to support the eventual Democratic nominee in the general election.
Earlier in the election cycle, there was concern that a large number of Democratic candidates could divide the vote in the primary. Under California’s system, that scenario could potentially allow two Republicans to advance to the general election, shutting Democrats out entirely. Those fears have eased somewhat, but the dynamics of a crowded field—and the absence of guidance from party heavyweights—continue to shape the race in unpredictable ways.
