Senate Democrats are expressing doubts about Kamala Harris, the former vice president, especially in light of her party’s losses in key states against Donald Trump last November. However, many haven’t entirely dismissed her potential to secure the nomination in 2028, depending on how she approaches her campaign.
Harris recently made a public appearance at a gala in San Francisco, sounding once again like a candidate as she addressed the economic challenges faced during Trump’s early presidency.
At 60 years old, Harris is contemplating her political future and has been mentioned as a possible candidate for California’s gubernatorial election in 2026 or another presidential run in 2028.
One anonymous Democrat, when questioned about Harris’s chances, bluntly replied “No,” suggesting that the public has made its choice and it might be time for her to move on.
Yet, other Democrats take a more measured approach. Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado, who himself ran for president in 2020, doesn’t see Harris as the obvious frontrunner.
“I think time will tell,” he remarked when asked about her viability as a candidate. He believes Harris can add value, but acknowledged that the next year or so will reveal a lot of differing opinions within the party regarding priorities.
Despite her past defeat, Hickenlooper emphasized that every election is unique and that losing doesn’t necessarily disqualify Harris from running again.
Some Democrats are cautious about her potential candidacy, especially with uncertainties about other strong candidates emerging. There’s a sense of historical consciousness, as evidenced by the discussions around Hillary Clinton’s past defeats and the call to move on from her leadership.
Senate Democratic whip Dick Durbin, who backed Clinton in her campaigns, previously encouraged a shift to new leadership within the party.
In previous years, several senators discouraged Clinton from running again, voicing concerns about age and electability. Heinrich acknowledged that while Harris may still consider a run, she could face tough competition down the line.
“I’m a huge fan of Kamala Harris,” he stated, recognizing her previous experience and potential. He believes that the current political landscape is quite different from the last election cycle.
Democrats who see promise in Harris understand that the timing of her previous campaign negatively impacted her chances. A New Mexico senator noted that it takes time for voters to connect with a candidate, and Harris didn’t have enough of that.
During a brief campaign in 2024, Democrats felt let down by her performance, which they believed could have hurt the re-election bids of some incumbents.
In the recent elections, Senate Democrats lost a significant number of seats, reflecting the party’s struggle against Trump’s influence.
Political strategist Steve Jarding remarked on Harris’s credentials, indicating that while skepticism is valid given her previous losses, dismissing her could be a mistake.
There are concerns regarding the connection between Harris and her husband’s law firm, especially with its involvement in legal matters tied to Trump. This has raised eyebrows among Democratic insiders.
Harris’s complete failure to win any battleground states was a major disappointment, especially after her campaign amassed considerable funding yet still came up short.
Some party members attribute broader electoral issues to factors outside Harris’s control, expressing that her appeal as a candidate remains strong.
Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut highlighted her qualities as an effective public servant, emphasizing the ongoing debate within the party regarding her potential candidacy.
Ultimately, while Harris’s path to nomination may be rocky, many believe she retains significant support and political capabilities that shouldn’t be overlooked.
