is kamala harris running for president in 2028 As the political landscape in the United States continues to evolve, one question has been swirling among Democrats and political enthusiasts alike: Is Kamala Harris running for president in 2028? The former Vice President, who made history as the first woman, Black, and South Asian individual to hold the office, has been a polarizing yet prominent figure in American politics.
is kamala harris running for president in 2028 After her 2024 presidential election loss to Donald Trump, speculation about her next move has intensified. In this article, we will explore Kamala Harris’s political future, her potential plans for 2028, the challenges she faces, and what her decision could mean for the Democratic Party What is the 250th Anniversary Called?..
Kamala Harris’s Political Journey So Far
Kamala Harris has had a storied career in public service. Born in Oakland, California, she served as the state’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2017 before becoming a U.S. Senator in 2017. Her ascension to the vice presidency in 2021 alongside President Joe Biden marked a historic milestone. However, her 2024 presidential campaign, launched after Biden’s last-minute withdrawal, ended in a decisive defeat to Donald Trump, who won all seven battleground states and the popular vote by over 2.5 million.
Despite the loss, Harris remains a significant figure in the Democratic Party. Her campaign garnered over 74 million votes, the third-highest popular vote total in U.S. history, and she enjoys strong name recognition and a loyal base of supporters. Yet, her defeat has sparked debates about her viability as a future presidential candidate and whether she should pursue a different path, such as running for governor of California in 2026.
The 2028 Presidential Run: Is It Happening?
As of July 2025, Kamala Harris has not publicly confirmed whether she will run for president in 2028. However, multiple reports indicate she is actively considering her options. According to sources close to Harris, she has been instructing advisers to keep her political future open, signaling she is not ready to exit the political stage. Her mantra, “I am staying in the fight,” has been repeated in conversations with allies, hinting at her determination to remain a key player in Democratic politics.
Harris’s potential 2028 run is bolstered by her strong standing within the party. A Morning Consult poll conducted shortly after the 2024 election showed that 43% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents would support her in a 2028 primary, far ahead of competitors like Pete Buttigieg (9%) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (8%). Her access to the Democratic Party’s extensive donor network and her high name recognition give her a significant advantage in any future primary.
However, recent polls suggest her grip on the 2028 nomination may be slipping. An Atlas Intel poll from May 2025 found that only 17% of Democratic voters would back Harris in a 2028 primary, with Pete Buttigieg leading at 31.5%. This shift indicates that while Harris remains a top contender, the Democratic field is becoming more competitive, with emerging figures like Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Cory Booker gaining traction.
The California Governor Option
One of the most discussed alternatives to a 2028 presidential run is a potential bid for California governor in 2026. With current Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, the race is wide open, and Harris’s deep ties to California she served as its Attorney General and Senator make her a formidable candidate. Polls show she has near-universal name recognition and strong approval ratings among California Democrats, which could allow her to clear the field of competitors like Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Representative Katie Porter.
is kamala harris running for president in 2028
is kamala harris running for president in 2028 Running for governor, however, could complicate a 2028 presidential bid. Political analysts argue that the timing of a gubernatorial campaign, which would require significant focus in 2026 and 2027, would make it nearly impossible to pivot to a presidential run shortly after. Moreover, Harris would need to convince California voters that she is fully committed to the governorship and not using it as a stepping stone to the White House. Her lack of visible passion for the governor’s role in the past she opted for a Senate seat in 2016 over a gubernatorial run could raise skepticism among voters.
On the other hand, the governorship could serve as a powerful platform to rebuild her political brand. As governor of the world’s fifth-largest economy, Harris could address pressing issues like housing costs, homelessness, and crime, potentially strengthening her resume for a future presidential run in 2032 or beyond. is kamala harris running for president in 2028 Some advisers see this as a “capstone” to her career, while others view it as a step backward from her national ambitions.
Challenges and Opportunities for Harris in 2028
A 2028 presidential run would come with both opportunities and challenges. On the opportunity side, Harris’s 2024 campaign, though unsuccessful, showcased her ability to energize Democratic voters in a short timeframe. She raised over $1 billion in just 107 days and improved her approval ratings compared to her time as vice president. is kamala harris running for president in 2028 Supporters argue that with a full primary cycle, she could better define her message and connect with voters who were turned off by the Biden administration’s record on inflation and foreign policy, particularly its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
However, Harris faces significant hurdles. Her 2024 loss, coupled with her earlier 2019 presidential campaign, which ended before the Iowa caucus, has led some Democrats to question her electability. Critics point to her failure to distance herself from Biden’s unpopular policies and her inability to win over key demographics like Latino and young voters, who shifted toward Republicans in 2024. Additionally, the Democratic Party’s historical reluctance to renominate losing candidates evidenced by Al Gore and Hillary Clinton could work against her.
The broader political climate also poses challenges. Donald Trump’s 2024 victory and the Republican Party’s control of Congress have shifted the national mood, with some analysts suggesting that the electorate may not be ready for a progressive woman of color in 2028. Harris would need to navigate these dynamics while facing a crowded field of Democratic contenders, including governors like Andy Beshear and Josh Shapiro, who have strong records in battleground states.
What’s Next for Kamala Harris?
Harris has set a self-imposed deadline of the end of summer 2025 to decide her next move, according to reports from Politico. Whether she chooses to run for governor or mount another presidential campaign, her decision will have significant implications for the Democratic Party. A gubernatorial run could solidify her as a leader in California politics, while a 2028 presidential bid would position her as a central figure in the party’s effort to reclaim the White House.
Her recent public appearances, including a keynote speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco and events like the NAACP Image Awards, suggest she is intent on staying in the public eye. Harris has also formed an organization called Pioneer49, a nod to her status as the 49th vice president, to maintain her political infrastructure and keep her options open.
Conclusion
is kamala harris running for president in 2028 So, is Kamala Harris running for president in 2028? The answer remains uncertain, but all signs point to her keeping the door open for another White House bid while also weighing a run for California governor. Her decision will depend on her ability to navigate a competitive Democratic primary, address the concerns of skeptical voters, and articulate a clear vision for her leadership. As the Democratic Party searches for its next standard-bearer, Harris’s choice will shape the party’s future and its strategy to counter a resurgent Republican Party. For now, Harris’s words ring true: she is “staying in the fight,” and the political world will be watching closely to see what comes next.