Kamala Harris has ruled out running to be the Governor of California - almost exactly one year after kicking off her run for President.
The Democrat ex-Vice President said she had given the idea "serious thought" - but ultimately chose not to pursue it.
With California's incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom tipped to take his own shot at the White House in 2028 when his term expires next year, Harris - a former State Senator - would be a household name candidate to run to replace him.
But the 60-year-old Harris said no, opening the door for another shot at entering the Oval Office.
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|PICTURED: Kamala Harris waves at supporters at the end of her concession speech at Howard University in Washington DC
"Over the past six months, I have spent time reflecting on this moment in our nation's history and the best way for me to continue fighting for the American people and advancing the values and ideals I hold dear," she said in a statement.
"I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor.
"I love this state, its people and its promise. It is my home.
"But after deep reflection, I've decided that I will not run for Governor in this election."
In her statement, Harris neither ruled out a third attempt at the presidency, nor did she mention Donald Trump by name.
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Harris neither ruled out a third attempt at the presidency, nor did she mention Donald Trump by name
But she continued: "Our politics, our Government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis.
"For now, my leadership - and public service - will not be in elected office.
"I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans."
Her pull-out came just over a year after she announced she would be running for President after Joe Biden stepped aside.
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Joe Biden dropped out of the Presidential race after fierce party pressure on July 21 last year
Gaffe-prone Biden had been under heavy pressure to quit as Donald Trump stepped up his Republican campaign - and on July 21, he did.
On August 5, Harris was confirmed as the Democrats' nominee - and exactly three months later, she lost.
The then-VP had repeatedly called Trump a "fascist" on the campaign trail, but in her concession speech she revealed: "I told him we will help him and his team with his transition.
"And we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power."
"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign," she added.
Her speech referenced "fight" or "fighting" a total of 19 times.