Vice President Kamala Harris is at a critical crossroads in her political career. After losing to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, she has remained relatively quiet, but her recent comments suggest she isn’t ready to step away from politics. Now, her top advisers are weighing two major paths: running for president again in 2028 or pursuing a bid to become governor of California in 2026.
According to CNN’s Edward-Isaac Dovere, these decisions come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. Becoming California’s governor seems like the safer and more straightforward option. Many believe Harris could easily dominate the race, face little opposition, and secure a win. California is her home state, and her political connections there give her a significant advantage. However, this decision would effectively rule her out of the 2028 presidential race, as it would be nearly impossible to shift from a new governorship to a national campaign so quickly.
On the other hand, running for president in 2028 would give Harris the chance to redeem herself after her defeat in 2024. Some of her advisers believe she didn’t get a fair shot in the last election. They argue that circumstances beyond her control, like Biden’s decision to step down late in the race and the chaotic nature of the campaign, made it difficult for her to truly shine. They also point out that despite these challenges, she still managed to perform admirably in certain key areas.
However, the road to 2028 won’t be easy. The Democratic Party is expected to have a crowded field of candidates, and Harris may not have the same level of support within the party. Losing the nomination after a presidential defeat could be a devastating blow to her political career, making this choice a risky one.
Adding to the complexity is the emotional and symbolic weight of the moment. Close allies reportedly don’t want Harris’ final political act to involve certifying Donald Trump’s victory over her, especially given the tumultuous political climate and the legacy of January 6th.
Ultimately, Harris faces a difficult decision that could define her political legacy. Does she take the more certain path of becoming California’s governor, or does she aim for another shot at the presidency, despite the risks? Her advisers are deeply divided, but one thing is clear: she’ll need to decide quickly, as both paths require early and decisive action.
