Kamala Harris’s 2028 campaign in tatters before it begins after top Democrats’ brutal comments

Democrats are unconvinced about Kamala Harris running for president in 2028 — with top party members refusing to row in behind her.

NOTUS, a nonprofit a digital news outlet, spoke to several politicians on whether they would back the former vice president, and their responses were underwhelming.

California Sen. Adam Schiff declined to weigh in directly, saying simply: “That’s her decision.”

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren echoed that sentiment.

“I’m so focused on 2026, I’m just not there. I don’t have any thoughts about 2028,” she said. Others were more explicit about the uncertainty surrounding the field.

“I can’t support anybody right now. It’s way too early. We’ve got to see what the field offers,” Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter said. Behind the scenes, some Democrats have expressed sharper concerns.

One anonymous House Democrat told NOTUS they would have preferred Harris pursue a gubernatorial path instead, adding, “I don’t think I’m alone in this view, that I would have real concerns about her being the nominee.”

Another Democrat warned that while Harris’s name recognition makes her a natural contender, “Is that a good thing for the party and the country (if she’s) the nominee? No.”

In the 2024 US presidential election Harris lost all seven swing states and performed poorly in several traditionally Democratic states; Trump improved on his 2020 margin in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

She became the democratic nominees after then-president Joe Biden dropped out just 107 days before the general election. She has since suggested she could run in 2028.

“I might. I am thinking about it,” Harris said at the National Action Network convention earlier this month when asked about another run, her third, at the White House.

Not all voices within the party are skeptical. Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia offered a strong endorsement of Harris’s potential candidacy.

“She deserves a shot, especially when you see who is considering it — on both sides of the aisles. She is better than all the rest,” Garcia said.

“In America, anyone can run. The real question is, can they win?” Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson similarly added.

Other senators stressed the importance of competition in shaping the party’s future. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said a contested primary would be beneficial.

“I think lots of people are considering running, and I think that having to run the gauntlet through a competitive primary is a good thing,” she said.

Even Republicans have weighed in, often with a dose of sarcasm. Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy joked, “If she does run, I think we should all contribute to her campaign.

“I think that I will start a 501(c)(4) right now to encourage my friend, the vice president, to saddle up and ride hard.”

Compounding the uncertainty for Harris are early polling signals from her home state.

A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey found Harris trailing several potential Democratic contenders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who led with 28% support.

Harris garnered just 9%, placing her behind figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

---

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters