Former Vice President Kamala Harris is reaching out to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other prominent left-wing figures as she prepares for a potential 2028 presidential campaign, according to a report by Axios. Harris reportedly called Mamdani last week to discuss the future of the Democratic Party, with plans for further discussions in the future.
This outreach follows recent victories by several democratic socialist candidates supported by Mamdani in New York City congressional primaries, indicating his growing influence within the party. Harris is working to strengthen ties with far-left Democrats who were critical of her during the 2024 presidential campaign. She has also met with progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and pro-Palestinian activists who criticized the Biden-Harris administration's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Among those Harris has engaged with is Abbas Alawieh, a co-founder of the Uncommitted Movement, which protested President Biden's support for Israel during the 2024 Democratic primary. Alawieh noted that Harris initiated several private conversations before their recent meeting in Detroit, where he expressed his opposition to U.S. taxpayer funding for actions that harm civilians.
During the 2024 campaign, the Uncommitted Movement sought to have a Palestinian American address the Democratic National Convention, but many activists chose not to endorse Harris due to her alignment with Biden's Middle East policy. Harris's renewed outreach indicates her intention to rebuild relationships with a segment of Democratic voters who may play a crucial role in the 2028 primary.
Additionally, Harris has spoken with James Zogby, a Democratic National Committee member advocating for Palestinian rights. She has also been discussing various policy issues, including China, artificial intelligence, and Venezuela, with former aides and Democratic officials as speculation about her potential candidacy continues. Mamdani confirmed his discussions with Harris, expressing appreciation for her outreach. Harris has indicated she is considering another presidential run, stating earlier this year, "I might. I’m thinking about it… I’ll keep you posted." Despite being an early front-runner in Democratic primary polls, she faces scrutiny from various factions within her party following her 2024 defeat to President Donald Trump.