Former Vice President Kamala Harris has left the possibility of a 2028 presidential bid open, but senior Democrats in the Senate are signaling that they have not yet committed to backing her. The remarks come as the party looks ahead to the next election cycle while focusing on the 2026 midterms.
Senators Express Uncertainty
“Well, I’ve backed her before, but there’ll be other contenders this time,” Senator Richard Blumenthal (D‑Conn.) told Fox News Digital, adding that he has made no decisions about future support. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D‑Mich.) warned, “I think we’re going to have a very, very, very messy and very big primary. It’s going to be every Tom, Dick and Harry. And that’s probably where it should be.” Senator Chris Coons (D‑Del.) echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’ve got a lot of people who are going to run and I think we should sort that out after the midterms.”
Harris Stresses 2026 Over 2028
During a recent stop in Detroit alongside Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El‑Sayed, Harris was asked directly about a 2028 run. She replied that she has not decided and urged Democrats to concentrate on the 2026 elections, noting that “’28 won’t matter” without success in 2026. “We’re focused on 2026,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D‑Md.), adding, “We’re gonna win back the House and the Senate.” Harris’s close ally, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D‑N.H.), said, “We should have a lot of candidates running so we have a very broad discussion about the future of this country.”
Potential Contenders
Beyond Harris, several other Democrats are being mentioned as possible 2028 candidates. Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (D‑N.Y.), who identifies as a democratic socialist, is seen as a progressive option. A July University of New Hampshire Granite State poll found Ocasio‑Cortez leading the prospective 2028 Democratic primary field in New Hampshire with 22% support among likely Democratic primary voters, while Harris registered only 5%. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also been floated as a contender, though he said last month he would not run if Harris enters the race.
Democratic Leadership Emphasizes Open Competition
Senator Ed Markey (D‑Mass.) framed the wide‑open primary as a strength of democracy, stating, “Everyone who wants to run should be able to run for office here.” The overall tone among Democratic leaders is one of caution and a desire to keep the focus on winning the 2026 midterms before turning attention to the next presidential contest.
What This Means for Voters
While the Democratic Party appears divided on whether to rally behind Harris, the statements suggest a strategic pause until after the 2026 elections. Voters can expect a crowded field of potential candidates and a continued emphasis on party unity in the upcoming midterms.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
