Kamala Harris has been making the news rounds. Everyone wants to know what she’s up to.
And a Fox News host got an eyebrow-raising response from a U.S. Senator when asked about Harris.
Democratic Senator Dodges Question on Harris’ 2028 Presidential Run
Recently, Delaware Senator Chris Coons avoided directly addressing a question from Fox News host Martha MacCallum about whether he would support former Vice President Kamala Harris if she chose to run for president in 2028. MacCallum pressed Coons on whether he would encourage Harris to seek the Democratic nomination again, but Coons shifted focus to immediate legislative priorities.
“Martha, 2028 is a long way off. And first we need to focus on the challenges right in front of us here in Congress,” Coons said. “Our president, Donald Trump, and his OMB [Office of Management and Budget] director are trying very hard to shut this government down, and on a bipartisan basis, those of us who are appropriators are trying to keep it open and trying to do our job and meet the needs of the American people — keeping costs down and keeping the national defense strong and investing in health care.”
He added, “And that’s in contrast with a president who wants to take away health care from millions of Americans. That’s the issue right in front of us. 2028 is literally years away.” Harris announced on Wednesday that she would not pursue the California governorship, despite earlier speculation about her political plans, which included either a gubernatorial bid or another presidential run in 2028. In her statement, Harris expressed enthusiasm for “helping elect Democrats” across the country and promised to share more about her future plans in the coming months.
Some California House Democrats, speaking anonymously to CNN, expressed skepticism about Harris running for governor. One lawmaker noted, “There’s no groundswell for her candidacy. In fact, I think it would only fire up Republicans and hurt our ability to win the four to five seats that we need to win to win the House and hold on to three seats that we just flipped in 2024.” The same Democrat remarked, “She comes in with baggage.”
Political analyst Mark Halperin, speaking on “The Morning Meeting” Monday, predicted that Harris might exit politics entirely. “I don’t think she’ll end up being a candidate for governor of California,” Halperin said. “And I think she’ll find it’s so hard raising money to run for president that she’s done with politics would be my guess.”
Harris’ electoral track record adds to the uncertainty. In the 2024 presidential election, she lost all seven swing states and the popular vote to Donald Trump. Her 2020 presidential campaign was similarly lackluster, earning only 844 votes in the Democratic primary and no delegates, according to historical election data.
The Democratic Party faces a daunting challenge as it looks toward the 2028 presidential election. With Harris’ future uncertain and her past campaigns showing limited voter appeal, the party must grapple with a thin bench of viable candidates. The absence of a clear frontrunner is compounded by the need to unify a diverse coalition while countering a resurgent Republican Party led by Trump’s enduring influence.
One potential contender, California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been a prominent figure in Democratic politics, but his high-profile policies, such as stringent environmental regulations and progressive social initiatives, may alienate moderate voters in swing states. Newsom’s national visibility, bolstered by frequent media appearances, gives him an edge, but his ability to appeal beyond California’s liberal base remains untested.
Other names, such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have surfaced as possibilities. Whitmer’s success in a battleground state and her ability to navigate contentious issues like abortion rights and economic recovery make her a compelling option. However, her relatively low national profile could hinder her ability to galvanize a Democratic base early in the primary process.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a 2020 primary standout, remains a potential candidate, but his tenure in the Biden administration has drawn mixed reviews. While his communication skills and youthful energy resonate with some voters, critics argue he lacks the executive experience needed to convince skeptics of his readiness for the presidency.
The Democratic Party’s challenge is further complicated by its need to address internal divisions. Progressive figures like Senator Bernie Sanders or Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could energize the party’s left wing but risk alienating centrists. Conversely, moderate candidates may struggle to inspire the grassroots enthusiasm necessary to compete in a crowded primary field.
Recent analyses from political outlets, such as a November 2024 Politico report, highlight the Democrats’ struggle to identify a candidate who can bridge these divides while appealing to a national electorate. The party’s losses in 2024, particularly in swing states, have truly shown the need for a candidate with broad appeal and a clear vision to counter Republican momentum.
Emerging leaders, such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, have gained attention for their pragmatic governance and success in a key battleground state. Yet, like Whitmer, Shapiro faces the hurdle of building national name recognition. The party’s ability to cultivate and promote new talent in the coming years will be critical to its success.
The Democratic National Committee is already facing pressure to overhaul its primary process to avoid the pitfalls of past cycles, where crowded fields diluted voter support. A December 2024 analysis from The Hill noted that party strategists are debating whether to prioritize early debates or adjust delegate allocation to ensure a stronger nominee emerges by 2028.
