Kamala Harris eyes possible 2028 comeback, but some former allies look to ‘fresh’ faces

Kamala Harris Contemplates 2028 Presidential Run Amid Mixed Support From Former Allies

Kamala Harris eyes possible 2028 comeback - Former Vice President Kamala Harris has begun exploring the possibility of running for president again in 2028, though not all of her past supporters are convinced she is the best choice. Despite her strong national recognition and extensive experience in high-level government roles, some former allies remain skeptical about her candidacy. ABC News interviewed over 15 individuals, including donors, campaign managers, Biden White House staff, and current advisors, to gauge their thoughts on Harris’s potential return to the presidential race. Several of these individuals requested anonymity to express their candid views freely.

California's Political Landscape: Newsom as a Potential Challenger

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who also launched his political career in San Francisco, has emerged as a notable contender for the 2028 race. Newsom’s current position as governor and his track record in state politics have positioned him as a viable alternative to Harris. A source close to Harris’s inner circle told ABC News that while she is open to the idea of another campaign, her team has not yet begun formal discussions about a 2028 bid. This hesitancy has raised questions among some of her former allies, who argue that a new face might be more appealing to voters.

Willie Brown, a former San Francisco mayor and influential powerbroker in California, shared his perspective with ABC News. He noted that while speculation about Harris’s future is early, he believes Newsom would be the more "viable" option between the two. "Newsom wouldn't be the most recent loser," Brown remarked. "When you support someone for a role, you want to back a winner. And at this moment, Newsom would be the one to choose." Brown also expressed surprise that Harris did not pursue the California governorship in 2026, suggesting that securing that position could have bolstered her national appeal.

Newsom’s current status as governor has given him an edge in the state’s political arena, according to some donors. One prominent figure, a long-time supporter of Harris, stated, "I haven’t heard one person suggest it would be beneficial for anything if she ran. ... We’re looking for someone who is fresh and not imposed on the voters." This sentiment reflects a broader concern that Harris’s 2024 campaign, which spent over $1 billion in just 15 weeks, left some donors disillusioned. The rapid spending, while impressive, may have alienated certain groups who feel her campaign was too rigid or reliant on existing structures.

Fundraiser Perspectives on Harris’s Future Prospects

The 2024 campaign’s financial intensity has left some longtime contributors wary of backing her again. One fundraiser who supported Harris in her 2020 bid and later joined her 2024 effort said, "For someone aiming to build a future political career, she hasn’t done anything to maintain relationships with her key donors. Two years later, I don’t know anyone who even sent a thank-you note." This lack of engagement could be a hurdle for Harris in attracting financial support for a 2028 campaign.

However, not all donors feel this way. Tom Nides, a former Biden administration official who helped raise funds for Harris in 2024, pointed out that she still has a strong base of grassroots support. "The average Democratic voter who gives $10 or $20 now likes Kamala Harris," Nides explained. "She’ll have the ability to generate significant local contributions, which is essential for building a political foundation." While large donations may have waned, Nides argued that Harris’s connection with everyday voters could still be a powerful asset.

Asif Mahmood, a bundler who has supported Harris for over 15 years, acknowledged that the 2024 campaign’s intensity might have impacted donor enthusiasm. "If it’s Kamala versus Newsom, the money will be split, but I think Newsom might have a slight advantage," Mahmood noted. "He’s already in the governor’s office, so his name recognition and current role could make him a more attractive option for some donors." This divide highlights the tension between Harris’s established credibility and Newsom’s potential as a fresh face in the race.

Another donor who worked closely with Harris in 2020 expressed disappointment with her decision to run for president again. "I haven’t heard anyone say they want her to run," they said. "In fact, it’s the opposite. People are looking for someone new, someone who can offer a different vision." This sentiment is echoed by those who believe the 2024 campaign’s focus on a narrow set of issues left voters craving a more dynamic candidate. The donor added, "Anyone who became the nominee after Biden dropped out would have raised a lot of money. But she was the top of the ticket, and that might have made it harder for others to step forward."

The Road Ahead: Balancing Ambition and Perception

Harris’s potential 2028 campaign will need to navigate both the enthusiasm of her existing base and the desire for new leadership among donors. A source close to her said she is aware that some contributors might shift their support to other candidates. "She knows that donors and operatives could align with different campaigns if she runs," the source explained. "But she also knows her ability to mobilize voters could make up for that."

The 2024 campaign’s aggressive fundraising strategy, which drained over a billion dollars in a short span, has had lasting effects on donor morale. While this level of spending demonstrated Harris’s capacity to raise funds, it also exposed vulnerabilities in her ability to sustain relationships with key contributors. One fundraiser described the experience as "a bit of a rollercoaster," with some feeling the campaign was too focused on winning at all costs rather than building long-term support.

Despite these challenges, Harris’s appeal to younger voters and her experience as a vice president remain strong. Newsom, meanwhile, continues to build his own political narrative, positioning himself as a candidate who has already proven his ability to govern. As the 2028 race looms, the competition between Harris and Newsom is likely to shape the California political scene, with each candidate vying for the attention of donors and voters alike. The question remains: will Harris’s vision for the future resonate as strongly as her past achievements, or will a new leader emerge as the more compelling choice?