Photo: AFP
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has addressed her decision to not run for California governor.
On Thursday (July 31), Harris appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, just one day after announcing that she would forgo a gubernatorial bid.
“In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor,” Harris said in a statement on Wednesday (July 30.) “I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”
During Thursday's interview with late-night host Steven Colbert, Harris further explained the reason behind her decision, shutting down speculation that she passed on the California governor race to focus on running for a "different office."
"Listen, I am a devout public servant. I have spent my entire career in service of the people. And, I thought a lot about running for governor, I love my state. I love California. I've served as just elected district attorney, attorney general and senator, but to be very candid with you, you know, when I was young in my career, I had to defend my decision to become a prosecutor with my family," Harris said. "One of the points that I made is, why is it then when we think we want to improve a system or change it that we're always on the outside on bended knee or trying to break down the door? Shouldn't we also be inside the system? And that has been my career."
"Recently, I made the decision that I, just for now, I don't want to go back in the system. I think it's broken," she continued.
The former vice president said she thought these systems "would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles," but "right now...they're not as strong as they need to be." Harris emphasized that she wants to travel the country to listen and talk with people without it having to be a "transactional" exchange for votes.
The former vice president's decision not to run for governor came amid speculation over what her next move would be after she lost the November election to Donald Trump. Harris appeared to be a top contender to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom with strong approval ratings among the party and a national fundraising network.
On Thursday, Colbert said it was "harrowing" to hear Harris say that the systems are broken, noting that it implied the "107 Days" author may not "want to be part of the fight anymore."
"Absolutely not. I am always going to be a part of the fight," Harris responded.
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