Kamala Harris is seriously considering a run to become California’s next governor. The former vice president announced she would make a decision by the end of summer, setting up what could be her next major political move following her humiliating 2024 presidential loss.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely considered a potential Democratic presidential contender for 2028, is term-limited from running again in 2026. This creates an opening in the dependably progressive state that many Democrats are eyeing.

One former Harris advisor alleged that the former vice president would be a “great” fit for the job. This official cited her experience at both the national and state level.

President Donald Trump, however, offered some pointed advice for his former political opponent if she decides to enter the California gubernatorial race.

Trump’s Pointed Advice for Harris

“One thing she’s gotta do, she’s gotta start doing interviews,” Trump said during an interview with OutKick’s Clay Travis aboard Air Force One.

“You can’t get away with both of them; during COVID he did no interviews, and he got away with it because of COVID,” Trump added, referring to former President Joe Biden.

Trump’s message highlighted a recurring criticism of Harris during her vice presidency and presidential campaign—her reluctance to engage with media scrutiny. After Biden dropped out of the presidential race and immediately endorsed Harris, the then-vice president went 39 days without sitting down for an interview.

When accusations mounted that Harris was dodging interviews, she eventually increased her media appearances with both national and local outlets. Yet critics noted she seemed to avoid difficult questions even when she did participate in interviews. Sound familiar? It’s the same playbook we’ve seen from progressive politicians time and again.

Perhaps most revealing was a reported potential interview with influential podcaster Joe Rogan that fell through. Rogan suggested the Harris team attempted to place conditions on questions he could ask the candidate. Trump, by contrast, famously appeared on Rogan’s podcast for hours. This interview ultimately led to the popular podcaster endorsing Trump’s bid for the White House.

A Pattern of Media Avoidance

Harris’s history of limited media engagement raises serious questions about her approach to public accountability. During her presidential campaign, this pattern became a significant liability.

Unlike her opponent, Harris often appeared hesitant to subject herself to unscripted questioning. This approach frustrated even some supporters who wanted to see her articulate her vision more clearly to voters.

Trump’s advice cuts to the heart of modern political leadership—the necessity of communication, transparency, and willingness to face tough questions. These qualities are especially important in high-profile executive positions like governor.

I can’t help but wonder: if someone isn’t willing to face unscripted questions from journalists, how can citizens expect them to handle the unpredictable challenges of governance?

What This Means for California

California faces significant challenges, from a housing crisis to high taxes driving population exodus. The next governor will need to address these issues head-on.

If Harris decides to run, her approach to media engagement and public accountability will likely become a campaign issue. California voters will have to evaluate whether her leadership style aligns with the state’s needs.

The former Harris advisor who spoke to the press emphasized what they see as benefits of a potential Harris governorship:

“On a national level, what Newsom has been able to do with that job, there is a lot of upside with what she can do as the governor of the fifth-largest economy with her name ID, when our party is looking for national leadership and California looking for good governance,” the former Harris official said.

Yet questions remain about whether Harris would bring the transparency and accessibility California deserves from its leadership. The state has suffered enough under policies crafted behind closed doors.

If Harris has any hope of becoming governor of California, she would do well to take Trump’s advice. Only time will tell if she actually does so!

Key Takeaways:

• Trump’s advice highlights the fundamental responsibility of public officials to face tough questions.
• Harris’ infamous 39-day interview gap after becoming nominee shows a concerning approach to transparency.
• California’s significant challenges require a governor willing to communicate directly with citizens.
• California voters should evaluate candidates on willingness to engage, not just policy positions.

Sources: Fox News, The Washington Examiner, CBS News