In an official email to her supporters, Greek-American Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis affirmed her unwavering commitment to staying in the race for governor, emphasizing her intention to remain at the forefront of the campaign.
“Two years ago, I announced my campaign for Governor of California because the challenges facing our state are steep, and I have exactly the right experience to tackle them,” she said. “I’m sending you this message to make absolutely clear—I am ALL IN as a candidate for Governor and ALL IN for our state.”
“The threats our country faces today are more challenging than ever,” she continued. “Instead of leadership, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are bringing a daily dose of chaos and corruption. They are dismantling democratic institutions and profiting along the way. And here in California, families are rightfully worried about whether the American Dream is within reach for the next generation.”
“As Lieutenant Governor, professional diplomat, and former businesswoman, I bring a unique combination of decisive leadership, experienced problem-solving, and much-needed diplomacy to this fight,” Kounalakis said. “I pledge to work with all Californians and all stakeholders to ensure a brighter future.”
“I don’t take anyone’s support for granted,” she noted. “When I launched this campaign, I knew it would be a tough fight and require me to give all of myself to show that I will be a governor for all Californians.”
“I am so grateful for your support! And I will never forget all of you who stood by my side when we were just getting started,” Kounalakis said to her supporters. “In 2026, we will break California’s glass ceiling. I hope you’re ready because I can’t wait to do this together.”
Speculation that Harris would run for California governor
With her statement, Kounalakis is effectively addressing the growing speculation that has emerged in recent weeks regarding former Vice President Kamala Harris’s political future, specifically, the possibility that she is seriously considering a bid for California governor in the 2026 election.
According to a recent Politico report, which has since been picked up by several other US media outlets, Harris has begun signaling to major Democratic Party donors that she may enter the race. Given California’s political landscape, where the Democratic primary often determines the outcome of the general election, such a move would position Harris as a frontrunner in the contest, should she decide to run and no major surprises arise, Politico said.
The Greek American politician previously ran to become the governor of California back in 2018. She did not attain the position but did succeed in becoming the state’s first-ever female lieutenant governor. Now, Kounalakis is hoping to make history again by becoming California’s first female governor.
Greek background of Eleni Kounalakis
Kounalakis, who is of Greek descent, has spoken in the past about the influence of her Greek immigrant background.
“I grew up as the daughter of a Greek immigrant and like many other families, we had humble beginnings. My siblings and I were reminded every day how lucky we were to have the opportunity this country offers,” she said when launching her campaign in April.
Her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos is also a big name in the Greek American community. Before becoming a well-known philanthropist and political donor, he worked as a field laborer and sold melons on the streets during his youth. He even worked as a waiter in the Governor’s Mansion at one point. All this was before transforming his real estate business into a development empire.
Related: Hillary Clinton Endorses Eleni Kounalakis for Governor of California
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