Kamala Harris gives timeline on decision for a 2020 presidential run

17 things you might not know about Kamala Harris When she was 13 and living in Montreal, Kamala Harris organized the children at her apartment complex to protest not being allowed to play in the building's grassy courtyard, her sister Maya told The Chronicle. "It was only a matter of time before we were playing soccer," Maya Harris said. less 17 things you might not know about Kamala Harris When she was 13 and living in Montreal, Kamala Harris organized the children at her apartment complex to protest not being allowed to play in the building's ... more Photo: Charles Gullung/Getty Images Photo: Charles Gullung/Getty Images Image 1 of / 22 Caption Close Kamala Harris gives timeline on decision for a 2020 presidential run 1 / 22 Back to Gallery

California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris has long been rumored to be considering running a presidential campaign in 2020, but on Saturday, the first-term senator finally gave a timeline as to when she'll make her decision.

Harris took part in the Know Your Value conference in San Francisco, and in an onstage talk with "Morning Joe" host Mika Brzezinski, she told the audience that she planned to make a decision in the next month, NBC News reported.

"It's a very serious decision," Harris said. "It will ultimately be a family decision. Over the holiday, I will make that decision with my family."

Harris has dodged questions over a potential presidential run during the past year, which has left many to speculate on the topic. Online betting odds have even looked on her favorably to win the presidency in 2020. When she spent time ahead of November's election to stump for the Democratic Party across the country, some used it as a signal that she would run.

At the conference, Harris acknowledged the importance of the decision to seek the country's highest office, and how while running could break barriers, things could turn nasty.

"Let's be honest: It's going to be ugly," Harris said. "When you break things, it is painful. And you get cut. And you bleed."

When asked what she thought Americans would want to see in the next leader, Harris said they want someone who would "speak truth."

"I think Americans want in their next leader someone who will be honest, speak truth, who will have a vision for our country that is unburdened by what we've been, but instead can see who we can be," Harris said. "And they want in their leader someone who will paint a picture of the future in which everyone can see themselves."

Read Dianne de Guzman's latest stories and send her news tips at ddeguzman@sfchronicle.com.

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