Advisors and associates of Kamala Harris are divided on whether she should return to California to campaign for governor in 2026 or keep her focus on vying for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. The debate hinges on assessments of her prospects in what is anticipated to be a contentious primary for the presidency.
Some argue that Harris, after enhancing her image and raising over $1 billion during her surprise 100-day campaign, deserves another chance to seek the presidency. Others worry that a prolonged race against major Democratic contenders, who refrained from running in 2024 out of respect for Joe Biden and then Harris, could result in a disappointing outcome. They fear a second loss—following her defeat by Donald Trump—might culminate in rejection by her own party.
By contrast, the gubernatorial race in California appears to be a simpler challenge. Harris has a strong history of success in statewide elections, serving as attorney general and later as a U.S. senator for a decade. When approached by CNN, several prominent California political figures indicated, either directly or through representatives, that they would likely step aside if Harris entered the race.
Discussions with more than a dozen of Harris’s current and former aides and influential California Democrats reveal agreement on one point: it’s nearly impossible for her to pursue both the governorship and the presidency. Winning the governor’s office would likely necessitate launching a presidential bid soon after taking office. Advisors suggest that if Harris wants to run for governor, she must signal her intentions by mid-2025, which would mean deciding shortly after Trump’s inauguration whether to abandon her presidential ambitions for a gubernatorial campaign.
A former advisor remarked, “Harris would have to think of running for governor as ‘more of a capstone than a stepping stone.’ If you’re thinking of running for president in 2028, the worst thing you can do is run for governor in 2026.”
Another individual close to Harris contended that skipping the governor’s race offers greater potential benefits. “Running for governor would be a step down, and it would interfere with her ability to run for president again,” they explained. “I don’t know if she’s going to run for president again, but a shot at running for president again is worth giving up running for governor.”
‘Not going quietly into the night’
Those who have spoken directly with Harris say she remains uncertain about her next steps. She frequently uses phrases like, “you haven’t seen the last of me” and “I’m not going quietly into the night” when asked about her plans. Notably, Harris has not dismissed the possibility of a gubernatorial run when it has been raised.
Since her concession speech, Harris has maintained a low profile, participating in only a few public appearances. She has, however, made heartfelt calls to donors and supporters, some of which have reportedly been emotional. Harris also hosted her staff and campaign team at a holiday gathering last week, followed by a formal dinner with close friends and allies.
On Tuesday, she is scheduled to address young audiences in the Washington, D.C., suburbs, delivering remarks focused on youth engagement and leadership. According to insiders, the speech will not reveal her personal plans but will instead present a broader, forward-looking vision.
Harris and her closest allies are determined to ensure that her career does not end with the certification of Trump’s Electoral College victory—an act she must oversee as vice president on the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol attack.
Some suggest that Harris could opt out of politics entirely, potentially securing a lucrative book deal or heading an organization that aligns with her values. Yet, her team has ruled out selling her campaign’s contact list—a valuable Democratic asset—preferring to retain it for a future endeavor. Nevertheless, ongoing fundraising emails from her campaign have sparked concerns about alienating donors she may need later.
Historical comparisons and challenges
Harris’s path to a potential comeback draws parallels to Richard Nixon, another Californian who served as vice president and later staged a successful presidential bid after losing a gubernatorial race. Still, the only other modern example of a president reclaiming the office after defeat is Donald Trump.
Should Harris aim for another presidential run, she would need to overcome skepticism within her party. Many Democrats who initially rallied around her after Biden’s withdrawal are now hesitant about supporting her again. Concerns linger about her underwhelming performance with younger and Black voters, as well as criticism of her senior aides’ handling of her campaign.
Despite these challenges, some advisors emphasize the strong national network of support Harris built during her campaign. “Usually Democrats banish their defeated candidates, but she actually would have a strong shot at a second act because of how well she ran compared to how her skeptics rated her prior to July,” said a former senior advisor. “She finished the race much more popular than she started it.”
The California question
In California, Harris would face less opposition if she pursued the governorship. However, some skeptics argue that her narrowly won 2010 attorney general race and recent unfavorable polling in the state suggest vulnerabilities. Critics have begun labeling a gubernatorial bid as a “consolation prize,” an image her supporters would need to counter by articulating a compelling vision for her candidacy.
Outgoing Congresswoman Katie Porter predicted Harris’s potential entry into the gubernatorial race would have a “near field-clearing effect.” Similarly, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis expressed her willingness to discuss the matter with Harris should she decide to run.
California political insiders are already speculating about the downstream impact of Harris entering the race, with some candidates potentially shifting to other statewide contests. Meanwhile, billionaire developer Rick Caruso could present a formidable challenge by leveraging California’s “top two” electoral system to position himself as a centrist alternative.
Nonetheless, Harris retains considerable goodwill in her home state. “Kamala Harris has deep respect and affection in California and substantive statewide experience to fix the problems in California with high rents and housing costs, homelessness, and crime,” said Representative Ro Khanna, who is also considering a presidential run in 2028. “She would be formidable, if she chooses to run.”
{Matzav.com}