Former Vice President Kamala Harris made clear this week that she is keeping her options open for a potential White House run in 2028, even as she carefully avoided committing to a campaign during a podcast interview released Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
During an appearance on the At Our Table podcast with former Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, Harris said she has not made decisions about 2028 when asked directly about her future plans. Despite her measured response, Axios reported Harris stepping toward 2028 run, signaling to potential rivals that she remains a serious contender for the Democratic nomination.
The interview came just days after Harris appeared at the DNC annual winter meeting in Los Angeles last week, maintaining her visibility among party leadership following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Harris has also extended her book tour promoting her book published October 25, 2025.
“I am not done,” Harris told the BBC in a previous interview, when asked if she would pursue the presidency again. When pressed further about whether she might one day serve as president, Harris said possibly, leaving the door open for another campaign.
Harrison expressed confidence in whatever decision Harris makes regarding her political future. Harrison said millions will support Harris whatever she decides, underscoring the loyalty she retains among key Democratic constituencies. Harris has strong support among Black voters, who represent a critical voting bloc in recent Democratic presidential primaries.
Despite this grassroots backing, Harris trails other potential candidates in current polling. Recent polling data shows Gavin Newsom leading the field with 36% odds, while Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez holds 11% odds. Harris trails significantly at 4.7% odds in current predictive markets for the 2028 Democratic nomination.
Newsom himself has indicated interest in a presidential bid. Newsom told CBS he would seriously consider presidential run, setting up a potential rivalry with his fellow Californian. Other potential contenders include Pete Buttigieg and JB Pritzker, though neither has made definitive statements about their intentions.
Harris has not shied away from criticizing her former opponent during her post-election public appearances. Harris called Trump a tyrant in her BBC interview, defending warnings she made during the campaign about the potential dangers of his return to office. Harris said both parties failed to hold public trust and Harris said people are ready to break things to force change, reflecting on the broader political frustrations that shaped the election outcome.
The former vice president’s activities since the election suggest she is positioning herself strategically while avoiding premature commitment. By extending her book tour and maintaining a presence at major Democratic gatherings, Harris keeps her name in circulation without formally declaring candidacy. This approach allows her to assess the political landscape while building support for a potential 2028 bid.
Party leaders and donors have expressed mixed views about Harris’s viability as a candidate. Some worry about her ability to win a general election after her defeat to Trump, while others point to her continued strength among essential Democratic constituencies. The DNC annual winter meeting in Los Angeles provided a platform for Harris to engage directly with party officials and demonstrate her ongoing commitment to Democratic causes.
Harris’s book published October 25, 2025 offers her account of the campaign. Some Democrats have questioned the outcome and the timing of events leading to her candidacy.
The coming months will prove critical for Harris and other potential 2028 candidates. For Harris, Harris hasn’t decided on 2028 run but her recent activities and carefully worded statements indicate she is seriously weighing her options.
As the Democratic Party searches for its next standard-bearer, Harris remains a prominent figure with significant name recognition and an established base of support. Whether she ultimately decides to mount another campaign will depend on numerous factors, including the strength of potential rivals and her assessment of the political environment in California and nationwide. For now, she continues to keep all options on the table while maintaining the visibility necessary for a credible presidential campaign.
