Longtime Trump ally and U.S. envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, has hinted at a potential run for California governor if Kamala Harris enters the race, fueling speculation about a Republican challenge in the deep-blue state. Grenell, a seasoned Trump adviser who previously served as ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence, pointed to Harris’s vulnerabilities following her significant defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, suggesting that her rumored gubernatorial bid lacks strength.
“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 told reporters in Munich.
Grenell previously considered a gubernatorial run in 2021 but ultimately did not file before the deadline. Since then, he has remained politically active in California, founding Fix California, a nonprofit aimed at reshaping the state’s left-leaning political landscape. In the 2024 election, Harris won California by more than 20 points, but that was before the state’s latest disaster – a series of wildfires that destroyed ritzy parts of Los Angeles, casting new doubts on Democratic leaders in the city and state.
Grenell has held multiple roles under President Trump, including special assignments abroad. During one such mission, he met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and played a key role in securing the release of six hostages. In California, he has maintained a visible presence, appearing alongside local leaders to assess wildfire damage in Los Angeles County and review restoration efforts, fueling speculation about a potential gubernatorial bid.
Meanwhile, Harris, who served as vice president until her term ended last month, has remained tight-lipped about her political future. Despite making multiple appearances across Los Angeles, she has only briefly hinted at her plans, deflecting direct questions about a possible statewide run.