Kamala Harris Keeps 2028 Options Open as Democratic Senators Reflect on Primary
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is hinting she might consider running for the White House again in 2028, yet it seems there’s not much enthusiasm among Democratic senators for rallying behind her as the 2024 nominee.
Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut mentioned, “I’ve backed her before, but there’ll be other contenders this time. I haven’t made any choices about whom I would support.” It feels like a rather cautious stance.
Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan described the upcoming primary landscape as “very, very messy and very big,” suggesting it could involve a wide array of candidates. “That’s probably how it should be,” she added, perhaps reflecting a belief in robust democratic processes.
Future Focused: Harris Advocates for Midterms
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware emphasized the importance of focusing on the midterm elections before diving into the 2028 discussions. “I think we have many people interested in running and we should sort that out after the midterms,” he stated.
Last week, Harris rejoined the campaign trail alongside Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. When asked about her potential 2028 run in Detroit, she remained undecided and urged the party to concentrate on the key elections looming in November. She warned that without success in 2026, the conversations for ’28 wouldn’t carry much weight.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland shared her support for Harris, saying, “I love Kamala Harris. I have a very personal friendship and relationship. She’s amazing. I think anyone who wants to run should.” Yet, she too echoed the sentiment to prioritize the upcoming midterm elections.
Democratic Senators Hesitant on Harris’s 2028 Prospects
Another Democratic senator commented on the primary situation as being broad and open, reflecting an optimistic view on democracy. “This is going to be a wide open primary. Everyone who wants to run should be able to run,” Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts said.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for representing the party’s progressive wing, could also emerge as a contender for 2028. She has identified herself as a democratic socialist, positioning herself in contrast to more centrist Democrats.
In New Hampshire, a recent University of New Hampshire poll showed Ocasio-Cortez leading potential candidates for the 2028 Democratic primary, garnering 22% of support among likely Democratic primary voters, while Harris trailed with just 5%. It’s clear that neither candidate has officially declared their intention to run yet, leaving many questions unanswered.
