Life moves fast when you’re no longer in the White House. Honestly, if you’re looking for Kamala Harris these days, you won’t find her in the West Wing. She left office on January 20, 2025, handing the vice presidency over to JD Vance. Since then, her life has been a mix of high-profile book tours, quiet community work in California, and a whole lot of "will she or won't she" regarding the 2028 election.
So, what is Kamala Harris doing exactly? Well, she isn't just sitting poolside in Los Angeles. She’s been remarkably busy for someone who just finished a four-year stint as the second-most powerful person in the world. From swearing in local mayors to writing a best-selling memoir, she’s navigating that weird transition period that all former VPs face.
The Big Tour: 107 Days
Most of her current public energy is going into her book tour. She released a memoir titled 107 Days in late 2025. It’s basically an inside look at her 2024 presidential campaign—the high-octane sprint that followed Joe Biden’s exit from the race.
She’s been hitting theaters across the country. Just this week, on January 13, 2026, she was at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. The next night? Jackson, Mississippi. These aren't just dry policy speeches. They’re sold-out "conversations" where she talks about resilience and how to find hope when you feel "disconnected from the political process."
People are paying good money to hear her take on what happened. Some tickets are going for over $100, and there are even meet-and-greet packages for the superfans. It feels less like a political rally and more like a legacy-building tour. She’s framing her story on her own terms, which is a smart move if she’s planning a comeback.
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Still Tying the Ribbon: Public Appearances
Even though she doesn't hold office, she’s still acting as a sort of "stateswoman-at-large." She hasn't stopped showing up for the causes and people she cares about.
Take this past week for example. On January 9, 2026, she made a surprise appearance in her home state of California. She was at Santa Barbara Junior High School—her alma mater—to swear in Monique Limón as the Senate President Pro Tempore. It was a big deal. Limón is the first Latina to lead the California State Senate, and Harris was there to administer the oath.
A few days later, she was in New Orleans doing the same thing for Mayor Helena Moreno. It seems like Harris has found a niche in supporting other "firsts." She knows what it's like to break a glass ceiling, so she's spending her time helping others through them.
The 2028 Question
You can't talk about what she’s doing without mentioning the 2028 elephant in the room. In a recent interview with the BBC, she was asked if she’d run for president again. Her answer? A solid "possibly."
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That’s basically "yes" in politician-speak.
While she's ruling out running for Governor of California in 2026, she’s keeping the door to the White House wide open. She’s even started reflecting—very publicly—on the 2024 race. She’s been questioning whether she should have urged Biden to step aside sooner. That kind of candor is rare, and it suggests she’s trying to distance herself from the previous administration’s baggage while keeping the base energized.
Moving Back to Cali
On a personal level, she and Doug Emhoff have settled back into Los Angeles. But they didn't exactly get a peaceful homecoming. Shortly after they moved, the Palisades Fire broke out. Instead of hiding away, they were spotted helping distribute food to victims.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing, though. In a fairly controversial move, President Trump revoked her security clearance in March 2025, a courtesy usually extended to former VPs. Then there was the whole saga with her Secret Service protection. Normally, it lasts six months after leaving office. Biden extended hers for a year, but Trump signed a memo to cancel it early in September 2025.
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What’s Next?
If you're following her moves, here is the roadmap for the next few months:
- Follow the Book Tour: If she’s coming to your city, that’s where you’ll get the most "unfiltered" version of her current platform.
- Watch the 2026 Midterms: She’s already making "declarations" about fighting for the future. Expect her to be a major surrogate for Democratic candidates as the midterms approach.
- Monitor the Fundraising: She signed with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) for a reason. Between speaking engagements and book sales, she’s building a war chest and a brand that exists outside of Joe Biden’s shadow.
Basically, Kamala Harris is in the "rebranding" phase of her career. She’s using her memoir and public appearances to maintain her status as the leader-in-waiting for the Democratic party, all while staying connected to her roots in California. She isn't gone; she’s just recalibrating.
To stay updated, keep an eye on her appearances at historic swearing-in ceremonies—they're a clear signal of who she’s building alliances with for the future. Check the schedule at major venues like the Saenger Theatre or Thalia Mara Hall to see if her tour is heading your way. Monitoring her interviews with international outlets like the BBC will also give you the best clues about her 2028 intentions.