Following Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat alongside President Biden in the recent election against Donald Trump, questions are naturally arising about her political future. With the dust settling, many are asking: is Harris’s career over? Despite the loss, early indicators and expert opinions suggest that the answer is far from a definitive yes. While the path ahead may be uncertain, Harris possesses a resilient political profile and a dedicated following, leaving numerous avenues open for her next chapter.
The Democratic party, while facing a significant setback in the 2024 election, is already looking towards the future, and Harris remains a prominent figure in these discussions. Initial polls indicate a considerable segment of Democratic voters are keen to see her contend for the presidential nomination again in 2028. However, the political landscape is dynamic, and various scenarios are being considered for the Vice President’s next move. These range from seeking another prominent elected office, such as the governorship of California, to exploring influential roles outside of electoral politics, potentially leading the charge in resisting the policies of a second Trump administration.
“She still has a long career ahead of her,” emphasizes Democratic strategist Kate Maeder. “She’s young in the political arena in this country, and there’s genuine excitement to see what she undertakes next. She’s cultivated a substantial and engaged base of support, which I believe will endure beyond this election cycle.”
The 2024 election results undeniably dealt a blow to the Democratic party. Trump’s victories across key swing states, coupled with gains even in traditionally Democratic strongholds, signaled a broader shift to the right across the nation. The Republican party also secured control of both houses of Congress, setting the stage for a unified Republican government in Washington.
However, in her concession speech, Harris made it clear that the electoral loss was not an end, but rather a pivot. She affirmed her unwavering commitment to the principles and “fight” that propelled her political journey. This sentiment is echoed by Maeder, who notes, “The outgoing Vice President, at 60, still has considerable fight left. Whether this manifests in shaping public policy or engaging in significant battles within the private sector, remains to be seen.”
Drawing parallels from history, Joel Goldstein, a professor emeritus at Saint Louis University’s law school and a vice presidency expert, points out that several vice presidents who unsuccessfully sought the presidency have navigated diverse paths subsequently. Richard Nixon, for example, experienced a gubernatorial defeat before his remarkable presidential comeback in 1968. Hubert Humphrey returned to the Senate, while Al Gore transitioned away from electoral politics, focusing on environmental advocacy and ultimately receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
“There’s a wide spectrum of possibilities available to her,” Goldstein explains. “If her ambition remains within presidential politics, that door is undoubtedly still open, should she choose to pursue that direction.”
Jim Kessler, co-founder of the center-left think tank Third Way, concurs with this perspective. “If she decides to campaign for president in 2028, she would undoubtedly begin as a frontrunner. Perhaps not an overwhelming favorite, but certainly someone who would start at the top tier, with established fundraising capabilities, name recognition among voters, and having demonstrated her capabilities in a high-profile campaign against Trump.”
Potential 2028 Presidential Run: A Crowded Field
Despite the initial enthusiasm, the potential path to the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination is already looking competitive. Emerging Democratic figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are all anticipated to be strong contenders. This crowded field could pose a significant challenge for Harris to regain the momentum she had in the recent election cycle.
“I anticipate she would face considerable challenges in winning a primary in 2028,” suggests Democratic strategist Fred Hicks. “That’s a significant amount of time between now and then, particularly when you consider the number of individuals who are likely to enter the race.”
The California Governorship: A Strategic Move?
An alternative and potentially strategic pathway for Harris could be closer to home, in California. The state, a Democratic stronghold, is poised to be at the forefront of resistance against the incoming Trump administration. With Governor Newsom term-limited and ineligible for reelection in 2026, the governorship will be open.
A poll conducted by the University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times indicated that nearly half of California voters would likely support Harris if she were to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Hicks argues that assuming the California governorship could position her “in a prime spot to challenge Trumpism throughout the latter part of his term.” California officials, under Newsom’s leadership, have already signaled their intent to “Trump-proof” state laws, and the state attorney general is prepared to counter controversial federal policies.
Harris’s background as a prosecutor in California, having served as San Francisco District Attorney and then California Attorney General – breaking barriers as the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American in both roles – provides a strong foundation for a gubernatorial run. Her subsequent move to the U.S. Senate in 2017 further solidified her political profile before joining the Biden administration.
While seeking the governorship might shift her focus away from a 2028 presidential bid, Hicks points out that it wouldn’t necessarily preclude future presidential aspirations, perhaps in 2032, emphasizing Harris’s relative youth compared to figures like Trump and Biden.
Beyond Electoral Politics: Leading the Resistance
Regardless of the specific path Harris chooses, Hicks believes she “can and should become the face of the Democratic resistance.” Attorney and Democratic strategist Abou Amara echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the California gubernatorial race, another presidential campaign, or even a move into advocacy are all viable options for Harris. Amara emphasizes that her primary goal should be to “maintain flexibility as she moves forward.”
Amara also raises a crucial question: “What does she envision as the culminating achievement of her political career?”
As the immediate aftermath of the 2024 election subsides, experts anticipate Harris will play a key role in the Democratic Party’s introspection and strategic realignment. Drawing parallels to Hillary Clinton’s post-2016 election reflection, documented in her memoir “What Happened,” Harris is expected to offer her perspective on the election’s outcome.
“I believe that will be a significant part of the next several months, to process and understand what transpired,” Amara states. “I anticipate she will, whether through public addresses or a written account, articulate her understanding of the events. This is crucial because while Democrats will debate various theories, hearing directly from her will be invaluable.”
Experts and Democratic insiders agree that it is still early to definitively predict Harris’s future trajectory. However, the prevailing consensus is that she will remain actively engaged in the political arena and continue to be a significant figure within the Democratic party as it rebuilds and recalibrates after the 2024 elections.
“I believe she certainly deserves time to reflect and consider her next steps,” Maeder concludes. “She has demonstrated to the Democratic Party and the nation her capacity for leadership and her role as part of the next generation of leaders that the Democratic Party urgently needs. Her next move remains to be seen, but her continued influence is highly anticipated.”
