Political heavyweight Chuck Todd warned failed Vice President Kamala Harris about her potential gubernatorial bid, suggesting it could derail future presidential ambitions. The NBC journalist’s surprising candor reveals significant obstacles facing Harris as she considers entering California’s political battlefield after 16 years of Democrat control. His skepticism underscores Harris’s steep challenges in a state where voters might seek an outsider rather than another establishment Democrat.
Todd Warns Harris Against California Governorship
Chuck Todd didn’t mince words when discussing Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential run for California governor. His analysis points to a harsh political reality for Harris, who would face the daunting task of extending Democratic control in a state potentially ready for change.
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Todd emphasized the historical challenge of any party maintaining control of a governorship for two decades. California’s 16 straight years under Democratic leadership represents the most extended period of single-party control in nearly a century, creating potential voter fatigue that could work against Harris.
Presidential Ambitions Would Require a Different Path
According to Todd’s assessment, the timing of a gubernatorial run would effectively eliminate Harris from the 2028 presidential race. Harris reportedly plans to decide to enter the California governor’s race by summer’s end, potentially closing the door on her White House aspirations.
Chuck Todd just dropped a truth bomb on Kamala Harris.
"I just don't see the path."
Reality check: Are we really surprised?
Politics isn’t a game; it’s survival.
What’s next for her?
Your thoughts? https://t.co/1vppIlaTey https://t.co/V1xckbpSHZ
— NahBabyNah (@NahBabyNah) March 31, 2025
Harris already faces significant challenges as a presidential candidate after losing swing states and the popular vote to Donald Trump. Her weak performance in the 2020 Democratic primary further illustrates the hurdles she would face in building national appeal while managing California’s complex problems.
Establishment Credentials May Backfire
Todd identified Harris’s extensive political background as her most significant weakness in a gubernatorial contest. Her resume as vice president, senator, and San Francisco district attorney makes it difficult for her to present herself as an agent of change in a state where voters might be looking for fresh leadership.
“Governor is the one place where voters won’t always vote their jersey color, and I think voters will look for somebody from the outside. And I think that Harris — somebody who’s the former vice president, former U.S. senator, former district attorney in San Francisco — how does she sell change? She’s got to somehow run against Gavin Newsom’s governorship.”
Political analyst Mark Halperin echoed these concerns, questioning Harris’s ability to make tough decisions under pressure. The grueling demands of governing California, a state facing homelessness crises, rampant crime, and economic challenges, would require leadership qualities Harris has not consistently demonstrated.
Todd suggested that Harris consider non-political roles, such as Los Angeles Olympic Committee involvement. Such positions would allow her to maintain public visibility without the scrutiny and challenges of governing America’s most populous state after its extended period of Democratic control.
Sources:
https://dailycaller.com/2025/03/31/chuck-todd-issues-warning-kamala-harris-about-political-future/
