Trump Ally Grenell Seeks Approval For California Governor Bid If Harris Runs

Richard Grenell, a close ally and special envoy of President Donald Trump, has indicated he would seriously consider running for California governor in 2026 if former Vice President Kamala Harris enters the race. Grenell, who spoke with Trump about a potential gubernatorial bid but has not made a formal decision, emphasized that Harris’s candidacy could galvanize Republican interest in a state that is typically dominated by Democrats. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited, has faced criticism from Trump and Grenell over his handling of anti-immigration protests and recent wildfires, with Grenell asserting that even some Democrats lack confidence in Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Harris, who is expected to decide on a run by the end of the summer, currently leads early Democratic polls and her candidacy is seen as a potential game-changer, possibly prompting some Democratic contenders to withdraw. The Republican primary already includes candidates like Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, but Grenell’s possible entry would mark one of the highest-profile GOP challenges. The ongoing tensions around immigration policy enforcement and state leadership responses highlight the political stakes in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race.