Ric Grenell, former President Trump’s envoy for special missions, has hinted that he’s seriously considering a run for California governor against Kamala Harris in 2026. At the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Grenell, 58, explained that he believes Harris, despite her national prominence, is vulnerable after her disastrous political loss to Trump in 2020. He noted that if Harris runs for governor, the California electorate is well-aware of her political baggage, and he believes Republicans now have a genuine opportunity to win the state.
Grenell said, “If Kamala Harris enters the race for governor, she’s carrying a heavy load of past failures. The Republican candidate has a real shot to flip the state, especially with the millions that can be spent educating voters about how disastrous her tenure has been.” He also added, “I wouldn’t rule out a run for myself.” However, it’s still uncertain whether Grenell has officially launched any formal steps to pursue this potential gubernatorial campaign.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is term-limited, and speculation about Harris potentially making a political comeback has been growing. Harris, who has previously held statewide office as California’s attorney general and U.S. senator, could see the governor’s mansion as her next step in the political ladder. She’s enjoyed some success in the state, including winning a narrow victory for attorney general in 2010 and carrying California in the 2020 presidential election with 58.5% of the vote.
However, California Democrats are facing significant challenges. The devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires, with over $250 billion in damage, has left many residents frustrated, particularly with local Democratic leadership’s handling of the crisis. Republicans have been quick to point out the failures of Democratic policies in relation to the fires, calling out the lack of resources and mismanagement.
Grenell, known for his bold stance against the left, is also involved in multiple key efforts, including serving as Trump’s representative on the Los Angeles reconstruction project. His strong foreign policy background, including his role in brokering important diplomatic agreements, has made him a figure with substantial experience. From serving as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, where he worked to block the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, to his role as acting director of national intelligence, Grenell has established himself as a seasoned leader with a track record of challenging the status quo.
With California’s future in question and the state’s policies under scrutiny, it’s clear that Grenell’s potential candidacy would add an intriguing dynamic to the state’s political landscape. A strong Republican challenger like Grenell could very well be the spark that California needs to turn the page.