Reid Hoffman questions Kamala Harris' potential 2028 presidential run

Reid Hoffman, a significant Democratic donor and LinkedIn co-founder, expressed skepticism regarding Kamala Harris' chances of a successful presidential run in 2028 during Politico’s Decoded Summit in Washington, D.C. on September 13, 2026. Hoffman, who contributed $17 million to Harris' previous campaign, responded to a question about her potential candidacy with an awkward chuckle, stating, "I think it would be a very challenging path for her and it’s going to be a very noisy field." He also praised Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as "much more pragmatic" but noted his support would depend on her opponents. Harris has not confirmed her intentions for another run but is expected to support Democratic candidates ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. California Governor Gavin Newsom commented that he would not enter the presidential race if Harris decided to run, suggesting that both candidates from California would lead to "mutually assured destruction." A source familiar with Harris' political operations indicated that donor support remains uncertain, although early polling shows her leading in several surveys. Other potential candidates, including Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Jon Ossoff, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have gained traction in prediction markets recently. Newsom has stated he is still considering a presidential run and will announce his decision after the midterms.