Richard Grenell Discusses Thoughts On Running For Governor

Alright, folks, here’s a twist in the California political saga that nobody saw coming—Richard Grenell, longtime Trump ally and former U.S. intelligence official, says he might throw his hat in the ring for governor.

Here’s the kicker: he’s only considering it if Kamala Harris jumps into the race. And if that happens, we might just see one of the most explosive gubernatorial matchups in modern California history.

Let’s break it down. Grenell, who served as ambassador to Germany and as acting director of national intelligence under Trump, isn’t exactly the typical Republican candidate for California. But that’s precisely why he thinks there’s a real shot—because if Harris runs, her baggage from the 2024 election could turn the deep-blue state into a battlefield.

And let’s talk about that baggage. Harris suffered a brutal loss to Donald Trump in the last presidential election. Now, if she tries to pivot to a California gubernatorial bid, she’s walking into a state where Republicans have already spent hundreds of millions painting her as a failed leader. In other words, the campaign against her is already done—it’s just a matter of who steps up to take advantage of it.

Grenell, for one, isn’t ruling it out. Speaking to reporters in Munich, he made it clear that a Harris candidacy could create a unique opening. “It’s a new day in California, and the Republican actually has a shot, and I wouldn’t say no,” he said.

Now, for those keeping track, this wouldn’t be Grenell’s first flirtation with a California governor run. He considered jumping into the race back in 2021 but ultimately decided against it. Instead, he’s spent the past few years building Fix California, a nonprofit aimed at taking on the state’s entrenched left-wing political dominance. He’s also kept a steady public presence, appearing alongside local leaders to survey wildfire damage and weighing in on key state issues.

Meanwhile, Harris has been playing it cool—appearing at various events in Los Angeles but avoiding any direct confirmation of her plans. That said, reports suggest she has privately told aides that a gubernatorial bid is on the table. If she does run, it would set up an unprecedented political showdown between one of the most polarizing figures in Democratic politics and a Trump-aligned Republican ready to shake things up in the bluest of blue states.

Could a Republican really win California? The odds are long, no doubt. Harris carried the state by more than 20 points in 2024. But here’s the thing—California politics have been unpredictable in recent years.

The massive recall effort against Gavin Newsom showed just how much frustration is bubbling beneath the surface. Homelessness, crime, taxes, and an exodus of residents leaving for lower-cost states have created an environment where voters might be more open to something different.