A group of affluent Democratic Party benefactors is not particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of former Vice President Kamala Harris seeking the governorship of California when Gavin Newsom completes his term in 2026, as reported by Politico’s Melanie Mason and Jeremy B. White.
Following her significant electoral loss last November, there were indications that Harris was considering a political resurgence sooner rather than later. Advocates for the former vice president highlighted the substantial fundraising figures that flowed into the Harris-Walz campaign after then-President Biden withdrew, viewing this as a key argument for her potential as a candidate.
According to the report, the Harris team was convinced of a comeback and was merely deliberating whether she would pursue the presidency in 2028 or enter the competitive California gubernatorial race next year.
As the deadline for the former presidential nominee to make a decision draws near, the sentiment among her dedicated supporters has turned increasingly pessimistic, as noted by Politico. “There was more enthusiasm at first,” remarked Mather Martin, a fundraiser based in San Francisco who has previously worked on Harris’s campaigns. “I think it has diminished somewhat.”
Another California Democrat who contributed a six-figure amount to Harris’s presidential campaign expressed that a gubernatorial bid would only serve to remind voters of how “traumatizing” her significant presidential electoral defeat was.
Other contributors have expressed apprehensions regarding the ongoing inquiry into former President Biden’s cognitive decline and the involvement of Harris in concealing it. Several steadfast donors informed the outlet that they feel deceived about Biden’s physical and mental sharpness. They question whether Harris assisted in supporting his compromised candidacy until it became painfully evident during his disastrous debate that he was unfit for another campaign.
Donors recognize that this will inevitably revive the entire dismal last presidential election, a topic that no one wishes to revisit. Furthermore, it raises the question, ‘Did you know Joe Biden?’ as articulated by another donor from Southern California, who spoke to the outlet on the condition of anonymity. ‘She would likely still lead, but to be honest, no one is particularly enthusiastic.’
In spite of these obstacles, Harris is reportedly contemplating a gubernatorial run for 2026. Should she decide to enter the race, she is anticipated to emerge as the immediate frontrunner, possessing considerable advantages over the crowded field, including name recognition, an extensive list of small donors, and the fact that several candidates have indicated they would withdraw if the former vice president chooses to participate in the race.
Harris’s aides further conveyed to the outlet that she has recently initiated a ‘private listening tour’ to engage with her key supporters in the state and gauge the enthusiasm surrounding her potential candidacy. Following this, she plans to take a vacation in July to ‘decompress’ and arrive at a final decision.
Additionally, another bid for the White House is under consideration, as various national polls indicate Harris either leading or closely trailing other candidates such as Pete Buttigieg in a hypothetical Democratic Party primary. Notably, Harris has consistently performed well among black voters, which could serve as a significant advantage as the party primary cycle is set to commence in South Carolina.