Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed dozens of California Democrats for the June 2026 primary but conspicuously avoided backing Xavier Becerra, her former colleague in President Biden’s administration, for governor—a deliberate silence political rivals are now exploiting as evidence of Becerra’s failed record.

Harris Joins Power Brokers Staying Silent

Harris issued a comprehensive endorsement slate Monday covering numerous California Democratic races, yet left the crowded gubernatorial field untouched. Her decision mirrors the approach of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Governor Gavin Newsom, who have also refused to weigh in. Harris herself considered running for governor last year, where she would have dominated the field, but chose not to enter while hinting at another presidential bid instead.

HoosierEconGeek

@EconHoosier

Karen Bass’ LA. No wonder Kamala endorsed her. It takes someone as dumb as Bass to make sure Kamala is not the dumbest person in the room.

1:14 AM · May 5, 2026

The absence of major endorsements initially sparked Democratic concerns about vote-splitting among liberal candidates. Under California’s primary system, too many Democrats competing could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election, completely locking out the party. However, the field has since consolidated around frontrunner Becerra, Biden’s former Health and Human Services Secretary.

Steyer Campaign Weaponizes the Snub

Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, whose campaign momentum appears to be fading, immediately seized on Harris’s non-endorsement as ammunition against Becerra. Steyer spokesperson Kevin Liao claimed the silence reveals damaging truths about Becerra’s tenure leading HHS. “Becerra’s colleagues in the Biden Administration had a front row seat to his incompetence, so it’s no surprise that they are sitting this one out,” Liao stated. The Becerra campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the attack.

California’s Political Elite Step Back

Pelosi, who wielded tremendous influence in California politics for decades, appears finished with kingmaking. Her daughter Christine told CalMatters that people keep pressuring her mother to intervene, but Pelosi already expended her political capital orchestrating the Biden-Harris administration. “She’s not going to—don’t look to her to do that again,” Christine Pelosi explained. Governor Newsom has similarly declined to choose sides, acknowledging only that he will vote for whichever Democrat emerges. “There are a lot of outstanding candidates with extraordinary records. I can name seven of them,” Newsom said, refusing to narrow the field despite his significant statewide influence.