Democrats participating in competitive midterm races are navigating how to incorporate former Vice President Kamala Harris into their campaigns, with some candidates seeking her support while others prefer to distance themselves. Harris is viewed as a potential front-runner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, but her association with the Biden administration and the party's performance in the 2024 election has led to caution among candidates in critical races.
Recently, Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola declined an endorsement from Harris, stating her focus is on Alaska. Harris lost Alaska to President Donald Trump by 13 points in 2024, which highlights the challenges for Democrats in the state.
In Iowa, gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand and Senate candidate Josh Turek have both expressed that they do not want Harris's involvement in their campaigns. This is a shift from 2018 when Harris supported Sand's successful campaign for state auditor. The Cook Political Report recently shifted the Iowa gubernatorial race from a toss-up to leaning Democratic, and the Senate race to a toss-up, indicating a potential shift in Democratic fortunes in the state.
Political analyst Timothy Hagle noted that Democrats in Iowa are cautious about appearing too far left, which could be problematic if they associate with Harris. The distancing from Harris is not new; she has previously visited states like Tennessee without endorsing local candidates.
Conversely, some Democrats, such as Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia, have welcomed Harris's support, recognizing her appeal among certain voter demographics. Ossoff's campaign expressed gratitude for Harris's assistance as he runs in a competitive Senate race.
Despite mixed reception, Harris remains a significant figure within the Democratic Party, with a strong fundraising network and loyal supporters. Polls indicate she is still a leading candidate for the 2028 nomination, suggesting that completely sidelining her may not be a strategic move for Democrats. Harris's ability to energize her base, particularly among Black voters and younger progressives, remains a valuable asset, even as candidates in more conservative states tread carefully around her involvement.