Kamala Harris’s political comeback dreams are hitting a wall of Democratic skepticism. Some party faithful in South Carolina and California aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for her potential runs for governor in 2026 or president in 2028. Politico’s Sunday report exposed this tepid response, signaling trouble for Harris’s ambitions.
Former Vice President Harris, fresh off a decisive 2024 election loss to President Donald Trump, is eyeing a return to California’s political stage or another White House bid.
The Daily Caller reported that her options include succeeding Gov. Gavin Newsom, who’s term-limited in 2026, or launching a third presidential campaign in 2028. Democrats, however, seem less than thrilled about either path.
Harris stepped back into the spotlight on April 30, 2025, delivering her first public speech since leaving office at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco.
The event, held at the swanky Palace Hotel, was meant to rekindle her political spark. Yet, the lukewarm reception suggests her star may not shine as brightly as she hopes.
This past weekend, the California Democratic Party’s 2025 State Convention became a stage for airing doubts about Harris’ gubernatorial aspirations. Delegates whispered concerns, questioning whether she’s the right fit for Sacramento. For a party craving unity, this discord is a bitter pill.
“I’m really on the fence,” said Minola Clark Manson, a delegate from eastern San Diego County. Her discomfort with Harris’s potential candidacy reflects a broader unease among some Democrats. Actions have consequences, and Harris’s 2024 defeat seems to linger like a bad hangover.
Manson’s hesitation isn’t isolated. Madison Zimmerman, a delegate from rural Shasta County, pointed out Harris’s silence on California-specific issues since Trump’s inauguration.
“California isn’t a consolation prize,” Zimmerman quipped, suggesting Harris might be using the state as a political stepping stone.
Zimmerman’s critique cuts deep, hinting at a fear that Harris views the governor’s mansion as a launchpad for another presidential run. This perception could alienate voters who want a governor focused on California’s challenges, not national ambitions. It’s a classic case of wanting a leader, not a ladder-climber.
Carol Weiss, a Sunnyvale delegate, echoed this sentiment with a sharp jab. “My concern about Harris is that she would be using the position, if she won, as a placeholder for a second run at the presidency,” Weiss said. Her words sting, painting Harris as more opportunist than a public servant.
Weiss didn’t stop there. “That would make me feel like I’m wasting my vote,” she added, demanding a governor committed to at least four years of leadership. California’s complex issues—housing, taxes, energy—deserve more than a part-time dreamer.
Not every Democrat is waving Harris off. Amanda Loveday, a Democratic strategist and former South Carolina party executive, sees potential in a Harris governorship. “I think she should run for governor and be the best governor California has ever had,” Loveday declared, offering a rare burst of optimism.
Loveday’s enthusiasm, though, feels like a lone voice in a skeptical chorus. Her call for Harris to excel as governor assumes a level of focus some doubt Harris can muster. Good intentions don’t always translate to good governance.
On the presidential front, Michelle Brandt, former third vice chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, finds a 2028 Harris run “exciting.”
Her optimism for another White House bid clashes with the broader party’s fatigue. Three strikes at the presidency might not charm voters.
Harris’ office didn’t respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment, leaving her intentions shrouded in mystery. This silence only fuels speculation that she’s weighing her options carefully—or perhaps struggling to regain traction. In politics, quiet often means trouble.
The 2024 election, where Harris failed to secure any of the seven swing states or the popular vote, casts a long shadow. That loss, coupled with her current lukewarm reception, suggests Democrats are ready to move on. Clinging to past glory rarely wins future battles.
