Former Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris holds a substantial lead over other potential candidates to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026. Despite not

Richard Grenell, a close ally to President Donald Trump, also explored a gubernatorial bid in California in 2021.

Richard Grenell, a longtime Donald Trump loyalist who is serving as U.S. envoy for special missions in the president's second administration, is floating a potential bid for California governor if former Vice President Kamala Harris also runs.