Democratic allies question Kamala Harris 2028 bid as party weighs moving on

Allies of former Vice President Kamala Harris are questioning whether she remains the top choice for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, with several surrogates arguing that voters and donors want the party to move past the 2024 loss. Fletcher Smith, a former South Carolina state legislator and Joe Biden surrogate, told The Washington Post that the party should let younger leaders have a chance to save democracy. "People just want to move on," Smith said, noting that governors, congresspeople, and senators are capable of leading.

While many within the party hold Harris in high regard, associates expressed doubt that this respect will translate into electoral support. Jamal Simmons, a former communications director for Harris, told The Post that while she is well-liked, it remains to be seen if that fondness will convert into a mandate for another run. Simmons described her 2024 intervention as a service to the party and the country, but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding her future candidacy.

Bakari Sellers, a podcast host and former South Carolina state senator, ranked Harris second in his personal list of top five candidates for 2028. He cited Maryland Governor Wes Moore as the biggest impediment to Harris securing the nomination. Sellers told The Post that Harris has not clearly defined her platform for key constituencies, specifically noting a lack of focus on cost-of-living issues in California and support among Black men. He also noted he has not spoken to Harris in over a year, a gap he suggested could be concerning for a candidate who needs a South Carolina victory. On his podcast, Sellers stated that if her team allowed her to be herself, she would undoubtedly become president.

Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff, who served on Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, told Fox News Digital that Harris has not done anything different since 2024. Shroff compared a potential run without new policy developments to reapplying to college with the same application. He argued that established candidates like Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker have an advantage because they can introduce their stories to national voters for the first time, whereas Harris must overcome the burden of being well-known and having lost previously. Shroff noted that Harris is currently effective in using her stature as a party leader rather than acting like a candidate in waiting.

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated in a recent interview that he would not run in 2028 if Harris planned to seek the nomination. Ashley Etienne, another former communications director for Harris, told The Post that while she would need to separate herself from the establishment, she possesses advantages in national elections that few others match. Virginia state senator L. Louise Lucas warned that rejecting Harris too quickly could be interpreted as overlooking a qualified Black woman, potentially causing disillusionment among long-time Democratic voters.

Several members of Congress declined to commit their support when asked by Fox News Digital about a potential 2028 run. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said he has backed Harris before but has made no decisions about future support. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan predicted a very messy primary involving many contenders. Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland emphasized that the party is currently focused on winning back the House and Senate in 2026, adding that while she has a personal friendship with Harris and believes she is qualified, the immediate priority is the upcoming midterm elections.