Former Vice President Kamala Harris’s name continues to come up when discussions focus on who will become the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee.
But several people who were once close to her are casting doubt.
Harris continues to signal that she may run for president in 2028; however, a number of people who previously worked closely with her are increasingly skeptical that she will ultimately enter the race.
Axios surveyed eight former Harris aides and advisers, including people who served in senior positions, about whether they expect the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee to launch another campaign. Five said they believe Harris is unlikely to run, two described the possibility as roughly even, and only one said they expect her to enter the race.
The assessment comes despite Harris maintaining a visible national presence through appearances on podcasts, campaigning for Democratic candidates and promoting her book, “107 Days,” which recounts her abbreviated 2024 presidential campaign.
Some former aides told Axios those activities should not necessarily be interpreted as preparations for another White House bid.
Instead, they believe Harris may be seeking to maintain her influence within the Democratic Party while keeping her future political options open. Harris, however, has said publicly and privately that she has not reached a decision.
Several former advisers pointed to what they view as a lack of traditional preparations for a presidential campaign.
Harris has not assembled an apparent campaign-in-waiting and has not maintained the kind of sustained national travel or involvement in major policy debates that might ordinarily be expected from someone preparing to seek a party’s presidential nomination.
Similar doubts have emerged elsewhere in Harris’ political network.
ABC News reported in June that it had interviewed more than 15 former donors, fundraisers, campaign aides, Biden White House officials and current advisers about the possibility of another Harris campaign.
Some former supporters expressed interest in seeing new candidates emerge in 2028, while a source familiar with Harris’ thinking said she was considering her options but had not begun formally deliberating about another campaign with her team.
Harris has nevertheless repeatedly declined to rule out another run.
During an April stop in South Carolina promoting “107 Days,” Harris said she was “thinking about” seeking the presidency again. She made similar comments this month, saying she remained undecided while emphasizing that her immediate priority was helping Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Her decision could also have implications for California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another Democrat considering a potential 2028 campaign.
Newsom said last week that he would not seek the Democratic nomination if Harris decides to run.
“I wouldn’t run if she ran,” Newsom told CNN, pointing to the substantial overlap between their political supporters, donors and longtime allies in California. Both politicians began their careers in San Francisco politics before rising to statewide and eventually national prominence.
Newsom has continued building his national profile, including trips to South Carolina, campaigning for Democrats and frequent media appearances. His declaration effectively makes Harris’ eventual decision an important factor in his own presidential calculations.
Questions surrounding Harris’ future have persisted since she lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump.
After initially maintaining a relatively low profile, Harris returned to the political circuit with her book tour and appearances around the country.
During a swing through the South earlier this year, she attracted large crowds at events in New Orleans, Jackson, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Axios reported at the time that her reception among many Democratic voters contrasted with skepticism toward another Harris campaign among some party officials and donors.
That divide remains significant as Democrats begin positioning themselves for what could become a crowded 2028 primary.
Potential contenders include several Democratic governors who have been expanding their national profiles, including Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. None has formally entered the presidential race.
Harris also retains advantages that few prospective candidates can immediately match, including nationwide name recognition, an established fundraising network and relationships developed during her tenure as vice president and the Democratic presidential nominee.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
