Kamala Harris, who previously served as vice president and was defeated by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race, has hinted at a possible campaign in 2028. She stated she is "not finished" with public service and suggested that a woman could "potentially" become president during her lifetime, as reported by
Business Standard
. During an interview with the BBC, Harris made it clear she intends to remain active in politics, despite the turbulent 2024 election in which she faced criticism for her polarizing remarks and suffered a close loss. Her statements come at a time when Democrats are navigating a divided landscape after Biden, with several contenders already preparing for the upcoming presidential contest.
Harris's remarks quickly sparked debate within her own ranks. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) recently attributed the 2024 defeat to Harris's choice to call Trump a "fascist," claiming this alienated important voters, according to the
New York Post
. "When Vice President Harris called President Trump a 'fascist,' I realized we had lost our way," Fetterman told Fox News, arguing that such language unfairly painted Trump's supporters. His comments highlight broader concerns among Democrats about their communication approach, with some party representatives steering clear of drawing parallels to Nazi-era figures to avoid negative reactions.
At the same time, those eyeing the 2028 presidential race are already making moves. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent critic of Trump, told CBS News he would consider a run after the 2026 midterm elections, as reported by
Bloomberg
. "Honestly, I’d be lying if I said otherwise," Newsom remarked, noting his current focus on redistricting to fight Republican gerrymandering and help Democrats reclaim the House. A recent
USA Today poll
found Newsom ahead of Harris among California Democrats in hypothetical 2028 primary scenarios, reflecting his rising prominence. Other possible contenders, such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, are also increasing their visibility by supporting gubernatorial campaigns in New Jersey and Virginia, according to
Politico
.
The party’s internal rifts were further exposed in the New York City mayoral contest, where progressive socialist Zohran Mamdani is trailing independent Andrew Cuomo, despite endorsements from Harris and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, as reported by
Bloomberg
. Mamdani’s lack of backing from leading Senate Democrats highlights the party’s ongoing struggle to rally around a unified agenda. Likewise, Harris’s recent memoir, which took aim at some current Democratic figures, has contributed to her divisive status as the 2028 race approaches.
With Democrats searching for a leader who can bring the party together, the absence of Biden and the enduring influence of Obama add complexity to their future. Harris and Newsom offer different directions for the party, but both must contend with voter fatigue and the challenge of countering Trump’s continued influence. As the 2028 election cycle begins to take shape, Democrats are bracing for another fiercely contested chapter in their political journey.