NEW: Ric Grenell Floats Run For California Governor Against Kamala Harris

One of President Donald Trump’s top allies is weighing a potential run for California governor in 2026—especially if former Vice President Kamala Harris enters the race.

Ric Grenell, 58, who serves as Trump’s envoy for special missions, revealed his potential bid while speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday. He suggested that Harris, still reeling from her crushing defeat in the 2024 presidential election, would be vulnerable if she attempts a political comeback in her home state.

“If Kamala Harris runs for governor, I believe that she has such baggage and hundreds of millions of dollars in educating the voters of how terrible she is, that it’s a new day in California, and that the Republican actually has a shot, and I wouldn’t say no,” Grenell said Friday in Munich according to Politico.

Harris, a former California attorney general and U.S. senator, has not officially signaled public intent to run for governor, but speculation has grown since her loss to President Trump in November. Many Democrats see the governor’s office as a natural next step for Harris after her unsuccessful White House bid.

Berlin, Germany, 2018-05-08:
The new ambassedor of the USA in Germany, Richard Allen Grenell, pose for the photographers after the accreditation ceremony at Schloss Bellevue in Berlin

Current Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), who is term-limited, is expected to leave office in early 2027, setting the stage for a high-profile gubernatorial battle. Grenell’s possible candidacy would mark a significant challenge for Harris in a state where Democrats hold a strong voter registration advantage.

If Grenell formally enters the race, it would set up a blockbuster political showdown between two prominent national figures, pitting Trump’s influence in the state against the Democratic establishment.

Los Angeles, CA – Jan. 20, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff arrive at Burbank Airport after leaving office, heading to Altadena to meet with firefighters and volunteers

A diplomat, political advisor, and media commentator, Grenell has served as the Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Trump in 2020, making him the first openly gay person to hold a cabinet-level position in the U.S. government. Before that, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Germany from 2018 to 2020.

He is known for his strong conservative views and outspoken support for Trump. Grenell has been a key figure in Republican foreign policy circles, particularly regarding U.S.-Europe relations and intelligence matters.

On February 10, President Trump appointed him as the Interim Executive Director of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

During his tenure as Trump’s U.S. envoy for special missions, Grenell accompanied the former president to Los Angeles to assess the devastation caused by wildfires. He also ventured to Venezuela, where his discussions with President Nicolás Maduro culminated in the liberation of six hostages.

Meanwhile, Steve Hilton, the ex-Fox News anchor, is reportedly contemplating a political bid, according to Politico. Chad Bianco, the outspoken sheriff from Southern California, is also anticipated to enter the race.

During his tenure, Governor Newsom, elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, has has focused on progressive policies, including climate change initiatives, homelessness, and expanding healthcare. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including strict lockdowns, led to a recall election in 2021.