You’ve seen the headlines, the late-night panel discussions, and the endless "what if" threads on X. The 2024 election is in the rearview mirror, but the political world never actually stops moving. Now, everyone is asking the same question: is Kamala running for president 2028?
Honestly, the answer isn’t a simple "yes" or "no." Politics is rarely that tidy. Right now, former Vice President Kamala Harris is in that strange, post-office limbo where every book tour stop and interview is scrutinized for hidden meaning.
She hasn't filed paperwork. She hasn't launched a PAC. But she definitely hasn't closed the door, either.
What Kamala Harris has actually said about 2028
In a series of recent interviews following the release of her memoir, 107 Days, Harris has been surprisingly candid—for a politician, anyway. During an interview with the BBC in late 2025, she was asked point-blank about another run. Her response? "I am not done."
She’s also been quick to dismiss the idea that her 2024 loss makes her a long shot. "I’ve never listened to polls," she told reporters.
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Basically, she's keeping her options wide open. In October 2025, she told the Associated Press, "I haven’t decided. Sincerely. I have not decided. I may or I may not." It's the classic "non-answer answer" that allows a candidate to stay relevant without committing to the grueling three-year grind of a campaign just yet.
Why the 2026 midterms matter first
Before we even get to the primary season of 2028, we have to talk about 2026. Harris has already made one big move: she officially announced she will not run for Governor of California in 2026. That was a huge deal.
A lot of pundits thought she’d follow the Gavin Newsom route—using the Sacramento statehouse as a high-profile "resistance" platform against the Trump administration. By skipping the governor's race, she’s signaling one of two things. Either she’s looking directly at the White House, or she’s looking at a life outside of elected office entirely.
The 2028 Democratic field is already getting crowded
If Harris does decide to run, she won't be clearing the field like she did in 2024. The "heir apparent" energy has evaporated.
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Instead, a new generation of Democratic governors and rising stars is already making moves. These aren't just whispers; these are full-blown "listening tours" and strategic fundraising efforts.
- Josh Shapiro: The Pennsylvania Governor just launched his reelection bid for 2026, but he's already a frequent guest on national Sunday shows. He's widely seen as the moderate favorite who can win back the Rust Belt.
- Gavin Newsom: He's term-limited in California, meaning he'll be out of a job just as the 2028 cycle kicks into high gear. He’s already been positioning himself as a national foil to Republican policies.
- Andy Beshear: The Kentucky Governor has been leaning into a "unification" message, trying to show that a Democrat can still win in deep-red territory.
- JB Pritzker & Wes Moore: Both the Illinois and Maryland governors are increasingly vocal on foreign policy and national economic issues.
Recent YouGov polling from late 2025 shows Harris and Newsom are neck-and-neck in terms of who Democrats would "consider" voting for. Harris still holds a slight lead in name recognition, but Newsom has seen his "disappointment" numbers drop, while Harris still faces some fatigue from the 2024 cycle.
The "107 Days" factor
Harris's book, 107 Days, serves as a sort of post-mortem of her whirlwind 2024 campaign. It’s also caused a bit of friction within the party.
For instance, she wrote about declining to pick Josh Shapiro as her running mate because of his desire to be "involved in every decision." Shapiro didn't take that sitting down, calling the account "complete and utter" nonsense.
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This kind of public sparring suggests that if Kamala is running for president in 2028, it’s going to be a much more combative primary than we’ve seen in years. She isn't just fighting the GOP; she's fighting to maintain her grip on the Democratic base.
What to watch for in the next 12 months
If you're trying to figure out if she’s actually going to pull the trigger, keep your eyes on these specific markers:
- Her New Political Organization: Harris has mentioned plans to launch an advocacy group. If this group starts hiring top-tier campaign staffers in Iowa or New Hampshire, that’s a massive "yes."
- Fundraising Activity: She still has access to one of the most powerful donor networks in the country. Watch who those donors start giving to in 2026.
- The 2026 Midterm Trail: Will she be the "closer" for swing-state candidates, or will she stay in the background? If she’s out there stump-speaking in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, she’s testing the waters.
Real talk: The odds are complicated
Let’s be real. It is incredibly hard to lose a presidential race and then come back and win the nomination four years later. It hasn't happened in the modern era for a Democrat. Usually, the party wants "new blood" after a loss.
But Harris has a unique argument. She can claim she only had 107 days to make her case in 2024—a fraction of a normal campaign cycle. She can argue that with a full four years to prepare, the result would be different.
Whether the voters buy that is another story.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Follow the 2026 Governor Races: Keep a close eye on Josh Shapiro and Andy Beshear's margins. If they win big in "purple" states, they become the immediate frontrunners for 2028, making a Harris run much harder.
- Watch the Book Tour: Pay attention to which cities Harris visits for her 107 Days tour. If she’s spending an unusual amount of time in Columbia, South Carolina, or Manchester, New Hampshire, she’s already campaigning.
- Monitor the FEC Filings: Mid-2026 is when "Leadership PACs" usually start getting aggressive. Check for any filings associated with Harris's inner circle.