Former Vice President Kamala Harris is engaging with New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani and other progressive leaders, fueling speculation about her potential presidential bid in 2028. A call last week with Mamdani, which was first noted by Axios and later confirmed, along with her meetings with various progressive groups, indicates she’s attempting to rally support from factions of the Democratic Party that didn’t back her during the 2024 race.
Moreover, Harris met with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backstage at the Black Women’s Empowerment Summit in Chicago, which also adds to the narrative of her outreach to progressive voices.
In addition, Harris has reportedly been reaching out to pro-Palestinian groups, possibly trying to mend relationships after experiencing backlash during the previous election cycle. She’s made connections with at least one group associated with the “non-commitment movement,” a response to President Biden’s handling of the Israel-Gaza situation.
Critics are already speaking out, especially within conservative circles. Nathan Brand, a Republican strategist, remarked that past campaigns of Harris were lackluster and expressed skepticism about her future prospects. Online discourse has reflected similar sentiments, especially regarding her alignment with more leftist elements in the party.
Mamdani’s influence seems to be growing within the Democratic Party, particularly evident through the recent primary victories of progressive candidates he endorsed. This shift has not gone unnoticed, with Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters commenting that the Democratic Party is increasingly leaning towards radical ideologies, which could spell trouble for them in upcoming elections.
Earlier this year, Harris had a noteworthy visit to South Carolina shortly after making impactful remarks at a major Democratic rally. During the National Action Network’s convention, when asked about her presidential ambitions, she cautiously responded, “Maybe. Maybe. I’m thinking about it…I’ll keep you posted.” The audience’s enthusiastic response suggested they still see potential in her candidacy.
