What will Kamala do now?
As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to step down from the White House after her loss to President-elect Donald Trump, speculation about her next move is already taking shape. Despite her defeat, early polling suggests a sizable portion of the Democratic base still sees her as a potential candidate for 2028, though many are wondering if she will aim for a different political role in the future.
While Harris faces a tough road ahead in the 2028 Democratic primaries, with several rising stars like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer already in the mix, she may consider pivoting to other opportunities. Some believe Harris could take a shot at the governor’s mansion in California in 2026, especially given that Newsom will be term-limited and unable to run for reelection. A recent poll from the University of California found that nearly half of California voters would support her if she decided to enter the gubernatorial race.
Harris’s long political career, from San Francisco District Attorney to California Attorney General, and then U.S. Senator, demonstrates her ability to thrive in high-profile positions. Her experience in the legal and legislative arenas, combined with her prominence as the first woman, African American, and Asian American to hold those offices, gives her a solid foundation to build on if she runs for governor. If successful, this could provide her with a significant platform to continue opposing the policies of a second Trump administration from a state that has long positioned itself as a stronghold against conservative reforms.
However, some believe that after a potential gubernatorial run, Harris might set her sights on the presidency again in 2032, given her relatively young age compared to Biden and Trump. Regardless of her path forward, Democratic strategist Fred Hicks notes that Harris could continue to serve as a leading figure in the Democratic Party, influencing its direction and providing a voice in the ongoing battle against “Trumpism.”
For now, it’s clear that Harris has plenty of options, whether she chooses to pursue another presidential bid, take on a state leadership role, or focus on advocacy work. But one thing is certain: she will remain a major player in shaping the Democratic Party’s future. While it’s still too early to predict exactly what Harris will do next, many expect her to continue fighting for progressive values, whether through public office or other means, as the Democratic Party looks to regroup after the 2024 election.
