She will have to contend with the challenges of a crowded field, potential primary opponents with more experience, and a Democratic Party that is still grappling with its future direction.
One key factor in Harris’ future plans will be how she chooses to position herself in relation to former President Donald Trump. While many Democrats are eager to move on from the Trump era, Harris has made it clear that she intends to continue speaking out against him and asserting her own role in the party.
Her allies believe that her strong showing in the 2024 election, despite ultimately losing to Trump, has given her a significant amount of political capital that she can leverage in the future. They point to her ability to attract over 74 million votes as evidence of her broad appeal and potential as a candidate.
However, Harris will also have to navigate the challenges of transitioning from the vice presidency to private life. She and her husband, Doug Emhoff, will have to decide where they want to establish a permanent residence and how to maintain their security once her Secret Service protection expires.
Additionally, Harris will need to consider how to maintain her political relationships and stay engaged in the party without the day-to-day responsibilities of governing. Some have suggested that she may need to set up a personal office or federal committee to continue raising money and staying connected to the political world.
Ultimately, Harris will have to make some early decisions about her future plans, as the Democratic Party is already starting to look ahead to the next election cycle. While some Democrats may be dismissive of a potential 2028 run, Harris’ allies believe that she has the potential to be a strong contender in the next primary.
As she contemplates her next steps, Harris will have to weigh her own ambitions against the realities of a rapidly changing political landscape. But one thing is clear: Kamala Harris is not ready to step out of the fight just yet. In the months following the 2016 campaign, surveys indicated that Hillary Clinton was favored by a significant margin for a potential 2020 run, with many Democrats expressing a desire for her to enter the race once again. However, some Democratic strategists are skeptical about the idea of her running for office once more, with one anonymous source stating, “I can’t conceivably imagine the party turning to her a second time.”
Looking ahead to 2028, speculation has arisen about Clinton potentially running to succeed Gavin Newsom as Governor of California, a rumor that has caused a stir in political circles. While her office initially refuted these claims, the mere possibility of her candidacy has caused a freeze in the field and has left some fundraisers hesitant to commit.
There is debate among those close to Kamala Harris about what her next political move should be. While some believe she should run for governor of California, others argue that she cannot simultaneously pursue a gubernatorial bid and prepare for a presidential campaign shortly after. The demanding nature of the governorship, along with the timing of the 2028 primary, may make it challenging for Harris to juggle both responsibilities.
If Harris decides against running for governor, she will need to consider her options carefully, as other high-profile positions in California are not expected to become available in the near future. With both Senate seats occupied by relatively young incumbents, Harris may view the governorship as a suitable culmination of her political career or opt to forego the 2028 race and focus on a potential presidential bid in 2032.
Brian Brokaw, a former aide to Harris, emphasized her cautious decision-making process, noting that she takes her time to weigh all options before making a move. While Harris could potentially run for governor or president again, Brokaw acknowledged that she may face skepticism due to her previous primary challenges. However, he also highlighted the potential for growth and learning from past setbacks.
In conclusion, the political future of both Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris remains uncertain, with various possibilities on the horizon. Whether they choose to pursue the governorship, another presidential bid, or opt for a different path, their decisions will undoubtedly shape the landscape of American politics in the years to come.
