America first got to know Nicole Shanahan, age 39, on a national level when RFK Jr. named her as her running mate for his 2024 presidential bid.

Even though Shanahan and RFK Jr. weren't able to get it done in the race for the White House, the publicity helped legitimize Shanahan and provide her with some more opportunities. It was even speculated that Shanahan could utilize her new broader audience in order to become governor of California.

Unfortunately for fans of Shanahan, she has decided NOT to run for governor of California, DailyMail.com is reporting.

"I'm not running for Governor in 2026," she declared during an interview on The Steve Hilton Show. "I believe that my job in 2026 is to get people to break out of their political orthodoxy."

"I'm here to support the revival of California," she added.

The situation

California's current governor, Democrat Gavin Newson, is about to be forced out of office as his two-term limit approaches.

Although California is typically considered as a state that's going to vote liberal no matter what, the sheer ineptitude of the Democratic Party right now might be bringing the state in play for others.

Shanahan could have been a prime candidate for a step toward the center by the state, as she was a Democrat until becoming independent when she teamed up with RFK Jr. in 2024. Even though she's now on the right side of the aisle, Daily Mail reports, perhaps her previous affiliation with Democrats would have made voters more likely to consider her.

Many people feel as though Kamala Harris is the most likely Democratic candidate in the race, although she hasn't indicated she is running yet.

If Harris does end up being the Democratic nominee, the ineptitude she displayed on the 2024 campaign trail has led many to believe that Republicans have a chance of pulling an upset against her, even in a solidly blue state.

While Donald Trump didn't win California, he did perform surprisingly well there against Harris.

The race as it stands

Eight Democrats have already officially declared their candidacy for the race, as well as five Republicans.

However, with the election still not until the end of next year, there's plenty of time for even more candidates to declare for the race.

Shanahan has a net worth of roughly $1 billion, at least partially because of her marriage to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. The couple were wed in 2018.

How do you feel about Shanahan opting out of the race?

Do you think Republicans have a legitimate chance of winning this election?