LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Kamala Harris is signaling that she intends to keep her White House ambitions alive for 2028. This week, the former vice president made clear to potential Democratic rivals that she is taking steps to keep a future campaign viable, even as some party leaders and donors question her chances of winning. Despite concerns, Harris remains near the top of most early 2028 Democratic primary polls and maintains strong support among Black voters, a key constituency in Democratic primaries.
Harris has ramped up her public presence in recent weeks. She expanded her book tour for “107 Days,” recounting her brief 2024 presidential campaign, with upcoming stops in early 2026 in key primary states and cities with significant Black populations, including South Carolina, Detroit, Jackson, Memphis, and Montgomery. She also attended the Democratic National Committee’s winter meeting in Los Angeles with her husband, Doug Emhoff, meeting national and state party officials. In a speech to Democratic officials, Harris criticized both parties and the political status quo, arguing that the government has failed to meet public needs and framing President Trump as a symptom of a larger problem. Harris’ rhetoric marked a departure from her previous campaign messaging defending President Biden, prompting some party members to express support for her 2028 run.
In addition to party events, Harris spoke at the United Farm Workers annual gala, receiving enthusiastic applause from members representing towns across California. While other potential Democratic 2028 candidates, including Governors Gavin Newsom and JB Pritzker, attended DNC events this week, Harris remained the focus of early polling, which shows her often leading Newsom nationally and performing well against Vice President Vance. Analysts caution, however, that early polls offer limited insight. Harris is scheduled to appear next week on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as she continues to maintain visibility and engage with voters ahead of the next election cycle.