Kamala Harris's 2028 Presidential Bid Faces Challenges from Within

<figure><img alt="Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/SZGWMMUKMFEPJAX4RSZNFFIHLI.JPG?auth=5d63e82d41e80cb35b141c5bb1db20a8e859ee1fb5a52a5471f85d5789473c43&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2796&amp;height=1573" /><figcaption>Brendan McDermid/REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Kamala Harris may face opposition regarding her potential 2028 presidential campaign from her husband, Doug Emhoff, who has reportedly expressed concerns about her running again. According to <i>The Wall Street Journal</i>, Emhoff has confided in others that he prefers she not pursue another candidacy.</p><p>Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump after Joe Biden withdrew from the race, stated last month that she is undecided about running again. Nonetheless, she has taken steps toward a potential candidacy, including campaigning for Democratic candidates in the midterm elections and engaging with major donors.</p><p>Polling from late September indicates that Harris is the leading Democratic candidate, with a 21-point lead over California Governor Gavin Newsom. However, some political allies remain hesitant to support her. Iowa’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand remarked in August, “No thanks. Let’s move on. We need some new leadership.”</p><p>Harris is often viewed as part of the Democratic establishment, which some party members believe needs to change. New political figures, such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, are seen as representing a new direction for the party.</p><p>Fletcher Smith, a former South Carolina state legislator and Biden surrogate, suggested that Harris should consider stepping aside for younger leaders, stating, “I think what she needs to do is sit out 2028 and let some other people have a shot at saving our democracy.”</p><p>The specifics of Emhoff’s comments regarding Harris's candidacy were not detailed in <i>The Wall Street Journal</i>, and representatives for Harris have not responded to requests for comment from the Daily Beast.</p><p>Despite the challenges, Harris maintains significant name recognition and experience in the White House, which continues to garner support from some Democrats. She has strong backing among Black female voters, a crucial demographic for the party. L. Louise Lucas, the first woman and Black president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate, noted that many Black women view the potential rejection of Harris as a missed opportunity for representation.</p><p>Even if Harris does not run, her candidacy could still influence the Democratic primary. Gavin Newsom indicated last month that he would not run against her if she decided to enter the race, stating, “I wouldn’t do that to her. I wouldn’t waste everybody’s time.”</p><p>Harris has been actively campaigning for the midterms, including appearances with Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and participating in a get-out-the-vote call with the Democratic National Committee. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections, saying, “I do sincerely believe 28 won’t matter if we don’t get through 26.”</p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/top-dems-2028-plans-hit-a-snag-close-to-home">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>