President Joe Biden confidently asserted that Vice President Kamala Harris would remain a central figure in the Democratic Party’s future, despite her decisive loss in the 2024 presidential election. Speaking at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) holiday reception on Sunday, Biden emphasised the importance of resilience in the face of defeat, urging Democrats to remain hopeful and united.
“You’re not going anywhere, kid. We aren’t letting you,” Biden said to Harris, addressing her directly. The remarks came as both Biden and Harris sought to bolster donor confidence and rally morale following a sweeping Republican victory. The GOP secured the White House with Donald Trump’s return, reclaimed the Senate, and expanded their majority in the House.
The 2024 election results have prompted a period of reckoning within the Democratic Party. Questions abound about the party’s messaging, leadership, and ability to connect with voters. Central to this discussion is Harris’s future role. Once seen as a rising star, Harris now faces critical decisions about how to rebuild her political career and contribute to the party’s recovery.
Here, we examine the options available to Kamala Harris and the opportunities and challenges each path presents.
1) A Return to State Politics?
One possibility for Harris is to return to her roots in state politics by running for governor of California in 2026. As her home state, California offers a natural base of support, and the governorship would provide Harris with a significant platform to demonstrate her leadership. By successfully governing the nation’s most populous state, Harris could rebuild her political brand, counter critics, and position herself for future national roles.
Moreover, a gubernatorial bid could allow Harris to make history as the first Black female governor in US history. Such a milestone would further solidify her legacy as a trailblazer. However, running for governor is not without its challenges. Harris previously opted against seeking the governorship in 2015, choosing instead to run for the Senate. Revisiting this option would require a careful calculation about her prospects and timing. California politics can be fiercely competitive, even for a figure of Harris’s stature.
2) A Second Bid for the Presidency?
While history suggests that losing presidential candidates rarely stage successful comebacks, Donald Trump’s 2024 victory after his 2020 defeat may provide Harris with a new blueprint. If Trump can defy conventional wisdom, Harris might argue that she can too. A second presidential bid in 2028 would allow her to leverage her existing name recognition, extensive donor network, and experience from the 2024 campaign.
Yet, the path to a successful comeback would be fraught with obstacles. Harris’s association with the Biden administration’s challenges, including economic turbulence and a divided party base, could overshadow her individual credentials. Additionally, other Democratic leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer are already positioning themselves as potential 2028 candidates, complicating Harris’s ability to clear the field.
3) Building a Political Movement
Another option for Harris is to step back from electoral politics and focus on building a broader political movement. By establishing an independent advocacy group or think tank, she could remain a prominent figure in Democratic circles while championing key issues such as voting rights, reproductive justice, and economic equity. This approach would enable her to shape public discourse, support rising Democratic talent, and maintain her influence without the pressures of elected office.
Through such an organisation, Harris could also dedicate herself to mentoring and fundraising for women of colour running for office, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer. This approach would allow her to stay engaged with the grassroots while recalibrating her political strategy for the long term.
4) A Return to the Senate?
Another potential path for Harris could involve a return to the Senate, where she served from 2017 to 2021. The Senate remains a powerful platform for shaping national policy and building bipartisan coalitions. Harris’s previous tenure demonstrated her effectiveness as a sharp questioner and a vocal advocate for progressive causes.
However, returning to the Senate would require Harris to navigate the complexities of California’s political landscape, including challenging an incumbent senator or waiting for a vacancy. While this route offers opportunities to remain in the national spotlight, it may lack the executive-level visibility Harris needs to mount another presidential campaign.
5) Taking Time to Reflect
For now, Harris appears to be prioritising reflection and regrouping. Following her concession speech, she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, retreated to Hawaii for a brief hiatus from the political spotlight. This period of introspection may help Harris clarify her next steps and determine which path aligns best with her ambitions and values.
Harris’s post-election remarks suggest she remains committed to fighting for progressive causes. “The fight that fuelled our campaign — a fight for freedom and opportunity — did not end on November 5,” she said. Such statements indicate that Harris sees her political career as far from over, even if the form it takes is still uncertain.
Challenges Ahead
Whatever path Harris chooses, significant challenges lie ahead. The Democratic Party is deeply divided, with progressives and moderates frequently at odds over strategy and policy. Harris’s association with the Biden administration’s shortcomings, including difficulties addressing inflation and immigration, may complicate her ability to appeal to a broad swathe of voters.
Additionally, Harris faces competition from other prominent Democrats eager to fill the party’s leadership vacuum. Figures like Newsom, Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are vying for national prominence, each offering their own vision for the party’s future. To reclaim her position as a leading voice within the party, Harris must articulate a compelling vision that resonates with both the Democratic base and swing voters.
The Stakes for the Democratic Party
Harris’s next steps will have implications not only for her career but also for the future of the Democratic Party. As Democrats grapple with the aftermath of the 2024 election, they must address fundamental questions about their identity and strategy. Can they win back working-class voters who have drifted toward the GOP? How can they energise young voters and communities of colour? And who will lead the charge in 2028? Biden’s endorsement of Harris as a central figure underscores her importance to the party’s recovery efforts. Whether she seeks elected office again or assumes a different role, Harris’s ability to inspire and unite Democrats will be critical to their prospects in the years ahead.
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