Politics

‘I Am Not Done.’ Kamala Harris Weighs In on Another Presidential Bid

‘I Am Not Done.’ Kamala Harris Weighs In on Another Presidential Bid

WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Kamala Harris has offered her clearest indication yet that she may not be finished with presidential politics, suggesting in a new interview that another run for the White House remains a possibility.

In a wide-ranging conversation with the BBC this week, Harris was asked whether she could still become the first woman president of the United States, even after her 2024 election loss to President Donald Trump.

Possibly,” Harris replied. “I am not done. I have lived my entire career a life of service, and it’s in my bones.

Her remarks mark the strongest public signal yet that the 61-year-old Democrat — who made history as the nation’s first female, Black, and Asian American vice president — is actively reconsidering her political future after what many viewed as a devastating defeat in last year’s election.

A Life of Service, Not a Career Ended

While Harris stopped short of confirming a second presidential bid, she made it clear that she is not stepping away from public life.

“There are many ways to serve,” she said, adding that she has not yet decided on her next move.

For months, political observers have speculated about Harris’s next steps following her exit from the White House. After considering — and ultimately ruling out — a run for California governor in 2026, Harris’s focus has quietly shifted toward national politics once again.

Her July decision not to enter the gubernatorial race has effectively opened the door to the 2028 presidential contest, fueling speculation that she could mount a political comeback.

The 2028 Democratic Field Begins to Take Shape

Harris’s comments arrive as early jockeying begins for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, with several prominent names — including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz — being floated as potential contenders.

Political analysts say Harris’s name recognition and historic status would make her an immediate top-tier candidate if she entered the race. However, her 2024 loss and mixed approval ratings could complicate a return to the national stage.

“Harris remains one of the most recognizable Democratic figures in the country,” said Elaine Kamarck, a political scientist at the Brookings Institution. “But she will need to rebuild credibility not just with her party’s base but also with the broader electorate if she wants another shot at the presidency.”

A Polarizing Legacy

Harris’s first presidential campaign, launched in 2019, began with high expectations but struggled to gain traction. After becoming Joe Biden’s running mate and later serving as vice president, she faced both acclaim and criticism — praised for her trailblazing identity and legislative advocacy, but criticized for her tense public messaging, staff turnover, and limited visibility on major policy issues.

Her 2024 rematch with Trump proved even more challenging, as she faced an electorate polarized by economic anxiety and immigration debates. While she maintained strong support among progressives and women voters, key swing states slipped away, securing Trump’s return to office.

Since then, Harris has largely stayed out of partisan brawls, focusing on voting rights, education access, and women’s healthcare — issues that could define her platform should she decide to run again.

‘I Don’t Listen to Polls’

When pressed on recent polls suggesting that California voters would prefer Governor Gavin Newsom over her in a presidential contest, Harris dismissed the numbers outright.

“There are all kinds of polls that will tell you a variety of things,” she said. “I’ve never listened to polls.

A POLITICO survey conducted earlier this year found that 41% of California Democrats favored Newsom as the next party nominee, compared to 37% for Harris — a gap within the margin of error but indicative of her diminished standing in her home state.

Political observers note that Harris’s continued national presence — including regular appearances at Democratic fundraisers and women’s leadership summits — signals that she is carefully positioning herself for a potential return to presidential politics.

A Difficult Road Ahead

If Harris decides to run again in 2028, she will face not only a crowded Democratic field but also the challenge of redefining her public image. Her previous campaign struggled to craft a clear message beyond historic firsts and progressive ideals, often faltering against more policy-focused rivals.

“Kamala Harris has to reintroduce herself,” said Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama communications strategist. “She has the résumé, the experience, and the network — but she needs to convince voters that she represents a forward-looking vision for the country, not a replay of past campaigns.”

The Broader Stakes for Democrats

Harris’s potential candidacy could also reflect a broader strategic question for Democrats as they look beyond Trump’s second term: whether to lean into progressive identity politics or pivot toward centrist economic pragmatism to reclaim swing-state voters.

Some Democrats believe Harris’s combination of policy experience, charisma, and representation could make her a compelling unifying figure in 2028. Others worry that her polarizing reputation could once again fracture the party’s base.

What Comes Next

For now, Harris insists no decision has been made. But her words — “I am not done” — have reverberated across the Democratic establishment, reigniting questions about whether one of the most consequential figures of the last decade could stage a comeback.

Her allies say she is “weighing her options carefully” while focusing on supporting down-ballot Democrats and mentoring young political leaders.

“Vice President Harris remains deeply committed to public service,” said a longtime aide familiar with her thinking. “Whatever role she chooses next, it will be driven by her belief that she still has more to contribute.”

As the 2028 campaign cycle slowly begins to take shape, one thing is clear: Kamala Harris isn’t ready to fade from the political spotlight.

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