Kamala Harris' Comeback Hopes Take a Major Blow

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has remained mostly out of the spotlight since losing the 2024 election to Donald Trump. But as political chatter grows around her next move, many insiders and analysts believe her most viable path forward isn’t another White House bid — but Sacramento.

Though Harris hasn’t officially announced her plans, multiple reports suggest she’s considering a run for California governor in 2026, as Gavin Newsom approaches the end of his term. According to experts, this move could offer her a second chance at political momentum — especially in a state where her progressive positions are more likely to resonate with voters.

“As disappointing as Kamala Harris’ loss in 2024 was, it won’t be the last chapter in her political biography,” said Thad Kousser, political science professor at UC San Diego.

🏛️ Why Not 2028?

A 2028 presidential run, on the other hand, looks far less promising.

Experts point to several hurdles Harris would face in returning to the national stage: low favorability ratings post-2024, perceived weaknesses on policy messaging during her vice presidency, and lingering frustrations among donors and Democratic strategists who expected her to fare better against Trump.

“I do not see much of a political future at the national level for Harris,” said Syracuse University professor Grant Reeher.

“She struggled as a candidate — particularly when pressed on policy specifics and the record of the Biden administration.”

Some believe that Harris, despite being a historic and barrier-breaking candidate, now symbolizes a chapter the Democratic Party is ready to move past as it searches for new leadership and vision.

📊 What the Polls Say

In California, Harris may fare better — but it’s not guaranteed.

A recent UC Irvine poll found that while Harris would begin the governor’s race as the frontrunner, support isn’t overwhelming: only around 25% of Californians say they’d back her if she runs. When pitted against an unnamed Republican, she leads — but just barely, with 41% support compared to 29% for the GOP candidate, and a large 30% either undecided or unwilling to vote.

“She would start as the prohibitive favorite,” said Jon Gould, Dean at UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology.

“But there is plenty of room for others to successfully compete.”

🔄 Redemption Through Sacramento?

Despite the risks, political analysts see a governorship as a “perfectly timed opportunity” to rebuild her brand.

California is solidly blue, and Harris’ past roles as San Francisco district attorney, state attorney general, and U.S. senator give her deep institutional roots. Her policy views — which may have been viewed as liabilities on the national stage — could resonate more powerfully in the Golden State.

“In California, many of her national liabilities become strengths,” Kousser noted.

🚧 But Baggage Remains

Still, not everyone believes Harris can easily escape the shadow of her 2024 loss. Political scientist Costas Panagopoulos warns that presidential defeat carries lasting damage — even in home states.

“The stain of a national presidential loss can be difficult to overcome,” he told Newsweek.

“Failed bids can suppress enthusiasm for these contenders when they seek other offices.”

There’s also the issue of her proximity to President Biden, whose second term was plagued by mounting concerns over mental acuity. Some critics suggest Harris either knew more than she let on or was too disconnected from internal White House workings — both damaging narratives.

“She either had to know and was part of the cover-up,” Reeher said, “or she was out of the loop — and either way, it doesn’t reflect well.”

🧭 Her Best Move?

Rather than another immediate run for national office, some suggest that Harris could serve her party more effectively by staying active in political discourse, helping campaign in 2028, and possibly earning a Cabinet position in the next Democratic administration.

“That may be her best path,” Reeher suggested.

Even if Harris leads early 2028 polls — as a recent Morning Consult poll shows (34% favoring her over Pete Buttigieg at 7% and Gavin Newsom at 11%) — that advantage may not hold in a crowded field of fresh faces.

🎯 The Bottom Line

Kamala Harris’ political story is far from over. But for now, her most promising route may not lead through Pennsylvania Avenue — but rather back home to California. A successful governorship could allow her to redefine her legacy and perhaps, eventually, return to the national stage on stronger footing.