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 on 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 a 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, 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 on September 23, 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 she might, leaving the door open to another campaign.
Harrison expressed confidence that millions will support Harris in whatever decision she makes regarding her political future, highlighting 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.
California Governor Gavin Newsom himself has indicated interest in a presidential bid. Newsom told CBS he would seriously consider a presidential run, setting up a potential rivalry with his fellow Californian, Harris. Other likely 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 reflected 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.
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.
The coming months will prove critical for Harris and other potential 2028 candidates.
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.
