WASHINGTON — Following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris is taking time to recharge while considering her political future. Though she’s been out of the spotlight, Harris has reportedly told close advisers that she intends to “stay in the fight” and is leaving her options open for the next chapter in her career.
Post-Election Reflections
Harris, 60, is using the winter holiday season to consult with family members and advisers about her next move. Potential paths include a 2028 presidential run or a bid for governor of California in 2026. While she has not made any decisions, Harris is expected to establish a personal office and explore opportunities to maintain her political influence.
“She doesn’t have to decide if she wants to run for something again in the next six months,” a former campaign aide noted, suggesting Harris could set up a platform to travel, give speeches, and strengthen her political relationships.
Immediate Priorities
Harris will continue to play a significant role in the Democratic Party during her final weeks as vice president. She is slated to preside over the certification of the election she lost to Trump and attend his inauguration in January. Behind the scenes, she is crafting a strategy to speak out against Trump while reasserting her position within the party.
“She proved a lot of skeptics wrong as a political athlete,” said a Harris ally, highlighting her performance as a more moderate candidate compared to her earlier campaign in 2019.
Weighing a Run for Governor
A gubernatorial run in her home state of California is a strong possibility, with Harris allies noting that her candidacy would likely clear the field of major challengers. However, the timing of the 2028 presidential primaries—immediately after the 2026 midterms—could complicate her ability to compete for both roles.
“There’s an expectation that a governor would stay focused on the state’s challenges, like the high cost of living, homelessness, and crime,” a Harris confidant said. If elected governor, Harris would be around 70 years old after two terms, potentially viewing the position as the “capstone of her career.”
Future Presidential Ambitions
Despite her loss, Harris remains a significant figure in the Democratic Party. She garnered over 74 million votes and earned goodwill from a wide swath of voters. A recent poll shows her leading the prospective 2028 Democratic field with 41%, ahead of figures like Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and Gretchen Whitmer.
However, some party insiders remain skeptical. “I can’t conceivably imagine the party turning to her a second time,” said one Democratic strategist. Others argue Harris’ resilience and ability to learn from setbacks could bolster her future campaigns.
Navigating Political Capital
Advisers note that Harris’ ability to maintain her influence hinges on deliberate planning and patience. Donna Brazile, a longtime ally, likened Harris’ situation to that of Al Gore, who leveraged his defeat to champion climate change. “She’s earned a lot of political capital. You don’t squander that by making snap decisions,” Brazile said.
As Harris contemplates her next move, her allies stress the importance of timing and strategy in defining her post-vice-presidential legacy.
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