Democrats facing the most challenging midterm races are struggling to distance themselves from former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Candidates from various red states, including Alaska and Kansas, have turned down Harris’ support both before and after it was offered. It seems her influence isn’t quite what it used to be.
‘Having someone from California come in and try to tell Kansans who they should vote for is a pretty bad idea.’
“It’s all good,” said spokesperson Eduardo Negron, adding that Vice President Harris will still be actively fundraising and traveling on behalf of candidates where she believes she can make an impact.
However, it appears Harris may not be hitting the campaign trail much. In August, Mary Peltola from Alaska declined a fundraising request from her.
“Mary isn’t seeking endorsements from anyone from the Lower 48—her focus is and always will be Alaska,” a spokesperson for Peltola noted.
Peltola also opted not to endorse Harris for the 2024 election, making it clear in a social media post that she wouldn’t be supporting Donald Trump either.
“Mary Peltola stood by while Kamala Harris limited Alaska’s energy production. If elected, she’d close down Alaskan energy and threaten jobs once more,” remarked Bernadette Breslin, press secretary for the National Republican Senate Committee, when asked about Peltola’s decision.
Harris is not finding many allies in the Midwest either. Rebecca Cooke, a Democrat running for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, stated, “I received 9,000 more votes than Harris in 2024. I don’t need anyone to come and campaign with me in my district. I build relationships—across the aisle—on my own.”
Though Cooke is distancing herself now, she had been a vocal supporter of Harris during the 2024 presidential election. Cooke unsuccessfully ran for the same congressional seat in the previous two elections.
Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek was blunt, saying “no” when asked if he wanted Harris on the campaign trail. Rob Sand, also running for governor of Iowa, had a similarly unenthusiastic response: “Nope. Let’s move on.”
Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton, who is vying for a Senate seat, took a more diplomatic approach, telling Politico, “Having someone from California come in and try to tell Kansans who they should vote for is a pretty bad idea.”
Hamilton’s campaign is considered a long shot, as Kansas hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932, and he is trailing behind Sen. Roger Marshall (R) in various polls, even those that lean Democratic.
While Hamilton might be attempting to distinguish his midwestern moderation from Harris’ West Coast approach, there’s evidence suggesting their views may not be so different. He has previously advised his congregation to examine their white privilege back in 2020.
Moreover, Hamilton’s church is known for its extensive LGBTQ+ programming, and he has faced criticism for unorthodox theological stances.
Despite her challenges in the heartland, some Southern Democrats still embrace Harris. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, now running for Senate, accepted an endorsement from her in October 2025, referring to her as “my friend Kamala.”
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff is also showing support for Harris as he seeks another term. In August, they held a tele-rally focused on women, which was quickly criticized by his Republican opponent, Rep. Mike Collins.
Looking ahead to a potential run in 2028, Harris is navigating an uneven political landscape. Perhaps many in her own party hope she will step back, but a handful of loyal supporters might manage to secure Senate seats this November.
Nonetheless, the Democrats’ complicated rebranding efforts seem far from complete.
