Kamala Harris, the former vice president, is not indicating whether she will run for president in 2028, keeping potential candidates waiting. She is currently focusing on her home in Malibu and engaging in social media activities that support Democrats and critique President Donald Trump. Harris is making calls to supporters and planning campaign stops but has not provided a clear timeline for her decision.
Harris has stated she is 'thinking about it,' and her allies believe she has the autonomy to decide her timeline, despite some Democrats suggesting a contested primary is necessary. A source familiar with her plans mentioned that she is prioritizing the midterms and will assess her next steps afterward, indicating she is not rushing her decision.
Harris's spokesperson, Eduardo Negrón, declined to comment on her decision-making process. In a recent podcast, she emphasized her focus on the midterms, stating, 'Right now, midterms, midterms, midterms, full-time occupying my thoughts, my mind and my work.'
Her campaign schedule includes stops in Michigan and Nevada to support local Democratic candidates, concluding with an appearance in Georgia before the midterms. However, she has not made any significant policy speeches, and former campaign aides have not received updates on her plans. Some major Democrats have also reported a lack of communication from her.
At a recent event, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain noted she had not heard from Harris in some time. A major donor mentioned that serious candidates are not waiting for Harris to announce her candidacy. Harris's last significant public appearance was in August, although she has participated in virtual events since then.
Harris has been making calls to various activists and candidates, discussing the political landscape and offering advice, but the informal nature of these conversations has led some to doubt her intentions for a presidential campaign.
California Governor Gavin Newsom indicated he would not run if Harris does, which has caused concern among his supporters about the timing of his campaign. Other potential candidates have expressed skepticism about waiting for Harris's decision. Representative Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego both emphasized their individual visions for the future rather than deferring to Harris.
The situation remains uncertain as Harris has not committed to a decision regarding her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election.