Former Vice President Kamala Harris is mulling a political comeback.
Following her presidential election defeat in 2024, Kamala Harris is considering running for California governor in 2026, but Democratic donors are wary, Fox News reported.
The failed presidential candidate and former senator is reportedly eyeing the gubernatorial seat currently held by Governor Gavin Newsom, who will be stepping down due to term limits. This development was first reported by Politico last Friday.
Many high-ranking Democratic donors in California have expressed concerns about Harris’s potential candidacy. The lingering effects of her loss in the 2024 presidential elections seem to deter some enthusiasm among the financial backers.
According to Politico, one Southern California fundraiser said candidly, "She still would probably lead, but honestly, no one is incredibly pumped." Mather Martin, weighing in on Harris's prospects, commented, "There was more enthusiasm at first," indicating a significant cooling off since then.
Frustrations among donors primarily revolve around the management of her previous billion-dollar campaign, which concluded in debt. Harris has until the end of summer to decide on her gubernatorial ambitions, a deadline reported by Fox News Digital in March.
An anonymous donor shared their disillusionment, shifted blame towards the Democratic administration, and expressed deep frustration. This reflects a broader sentiment of discontent that could pose significant hurdles for Harris.
Kamala just reminds you we are in this complete s--- storm. With Biden, we got bamboozled… I think she did the best she could in that situation, but obviously she knew about the cognitive decline too. I’ve written so many checks because I knew the Trump administration would be horrible, but we’re living in a nightmare because of the Democrats. I’m furious at them, truly.
Despite being a well-recognized face within the Democratic Party and currently leading in early polls for the next presidential nomination, doubt persists. Her strong name recognition is a significant factor in her favor, yet there's an air of uncertainty about her commitment to the gubernatorial race.
Scott Drexel indicated that there is not "an overwhelming clamor" for Harris's candidacy. "It’s very hard for there to be one if it’s not 100 percent clear if she really wants to do it," Drexel noted. This ambiguity about her genuine interest might be inhibiting stronger support.
Furthermore, attorney Joe Cotchett pointed out the steep challenges that lie ahead should Harris decide to run. "She is talking to people around the state about whether she is going to run. If she does, she’s going to have very difficult problems," Cotchett elaborated.
Drexel also highlighted the competitive nature of the forthcoming nomination process for Harris. "She’s going to have to work for the nomination. Every day that passes, there’s less of a sense of inevitability about her candidacy," he added.
A source from Harris's camp has yet to respond to inquiries for comments from Fox News Digital, further underscoring the speculative nature of her potential candidacy.
As the end of summer decision deadline approaches, both supporters and critics alike are keenly watching Harris's moves, which could significantly shape the political landscape in California and beyond. The discussion surrounding Harris's bid reveals a broader narrative of ongoing battles within the Democratic Party and the challenges of rallying support after a high-profile defeat.
