Former Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris retreats to Hawaii with family and senior advisers following her recent electoral loss.
According to Politico, Harris is privately directing her advisers and allies to maintain flexibility regarding potential political opportunities, including a possible 2028 presidential campaign or a California gubernatorial run in 2026.
The vice president's deliberations follow a remarkable four-month period that saw her unexpected elevation from Biden's running mate to the presidential nominee, ultimately concluding with an election night defeat.
Harris has maintained contact with her inner circle through phone calls, consistently emphasizing her determination to remain politically engaged with the message "I am staying in the fight."
Harris and her team are currently focused on defining her role in opposing Donald Trump while reasserting her position within the Democratic Party. Her immediate responsibilities include presiding over the certification of the November election results and attending Trump's inauguration on January 20.
The vice president and her husband, Doug Emhoff, must also address practical matters such as establishing their post-office residence and addressing security concerns once her Secret Service protection expires.
Former Harris campaign aide Brian Brokaw acknowledges the complexity of her decision-making process, noting her tendency for careful deliberation. The transition marks Harris's first time outside public office in two decades, necessitating the establishment of a personal office and maintenance of her substantial online presence without the structure of daily governance.
Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, who has experience managing Al Gore's similar transition, shares her perspective:
You just got to let them marinate in their own success, their own failures or their own mistakes or their achievements. This is personal.
Recent polling data shows Harris maintaining significant support within the Democratic Party, with a snap poll for the 2028 field placing her at 41 percent, well ahead of potential competitors including Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, and Pete Buttigieg.
However, some Democratic strategists express skepticism about her future presidential prospects, with one anonymous strategist stating, "I can't conceivably imagine the party turning to her a second time."
The possibility of a California gubernatorial run presents both opportunities and challenges. While Harris could likely clear the field of serious challengers, such a move might complicate any presidential ambitions for 2028 due to the demanding nature of the governor's role and the overlapping political calendar.
Harris stands at a pivotal moment in her political career, balancing immediate post-vice presidential responsibilities with long-term strategic planning. The 60-year-old former senator and prosecutor must navigate various political opportunities while considering timing, practicality, and public service impact.
The coming months will prove crucial as Harris finalizes her post-vice presidential plans, working with advisers to establish the framework for her continued political engagement. Whether through a gubernatorial campaign, presidential preparations, or alternative political ventures, Harris's decisions will significantly influence both California and national Democratic Party dynamics.
