Vice President Kamala Harris is at a political crossroads following her loss to President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. As speculation mounts about her next move,
Harris’s supporters and Democratic strategists are weighing options that could include a return to California politics, another run for the presidency, or a foray into advocacy.
Harris’s concession speech emphasized her determination to continue fighting for the causes that fueled her career.
Her supporters view her as a prominent figure in the Democratic Party’s rebuilding efforts post-2024.
“She still has a long career ahead of her,” said Democratic strategist Kate Maeder, noting Harris’s youth and strong following.
Potential Paths Forward
Harris, who made history as the first female, Black, and Asian American vice president, could leverage her California roots. With California Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited in 2026, Harris is already viewed as a top contender for the gubernatorial race.
A recent UC Berkeley and Los Angeles Times poll showed nearly half of California voters would support her candidacy.
Running for governor would position Harris as a leader of the “blue-state resistance” to Trump’s policies, a role she embraced as California’s attorney general.
Democratic strategist Fred Hicks noted that such a move could make her a formidable opponent to Trumpism while maintaining her political relevance.
Alternatively, Harris could set her sights on another presidential run in 2028. While early polls suggest she would start as a leading Democratic contender, a crowded field of rising stars, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, could pose challenges.
“She would start out on top,” said Jim Kessler of Third Way, but “the competition will be fierce.”
Advocacy and Reflection
Some experts suggest Harris may pivot to advocacy, following the example of Al Gore, who became an environmental champion after his 2000 defeat.
Others predict she will take time to reflect and possibly pen a memoir, similar to Hillary Clinton’s What Happened after her 2016 loss.
“Goal No. 1 is to preserve flexibility as she moves forward,” said Democratic strategist Abou Amara, stressing the importance of determining the capstone of Harris’s political legacy.
A Change-Maker’s Legacy
Despite the challenges of 2024, Harris’s contributions to the Democratic Party and her historic vice presidency leave her well-positioned to influence the party’s future.
“She has something to offer when it comes to leadership,” Maeder said.
For now, Harris remains a pivotal figure as Democrats chart a path forward in a political landscape reshaped by Trump’s return to power.
Whether as a governor, a presidential hopeful, or an advocate, Kamala Harris’s journey is far from over.
