Kamala Harris is quietly stepping up her political outreach ahead of a potential run for California governor, but the response from within her own party has been mixed at best. While some allies are hopeful, others particularly among major Democratic donors remain hesitant, unsure of her direction and still uneasy about her last turn in the national spotlight.
Behind the scenes, several funders have expressed disappointment over what they see as Harris’ role in propping up President Biden’s reelection campaign, despite concerns about his health. After Biden’s disastrous debate performance, some now question whether Harris should have been more transparent. One Southern California fundraiser described the mood bluntly: “She’d probably still be the frontrunner, but honestly, no one is incredibly pumped.”
Though she hasn’t formally declared her intentions, Harris’ silence has created a vacuum. Some party members want her to address the Biden issue directly, believing she needs to clear the air before she can successfully build momentum. Others say her vague posture has made it difficult to generate enthusiasm. “It’s very fair to say there’s not an overwhelming clamor,” said Scott Drexel, a Bay Area donor adviser. “It’s very hard for there to be one if it’s not 100 percent clear if she really wants to do it.”
Even Harris loyalists acknowledge that, if she enters the race, she’ll need to work hard to secure the nomination. Her perceived inevitability is fading with every passing week. As her former fundraiser put it, every new candidate who joins the race invites the same question: “Where is she?” Still, many believe her name recognition and network could outweigh the baggage. “If she were to get in, I think the strengths are going to overpower a lot of that,” the fundraiser said.
Since leaving Washington, Harris has maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on life back in Los Angeles and joking about the mundane task of cleaning out storage. She’s said to be sticking to a late-summer decision timeline, with a July vacation possibly serving as a turning point in her thinking.
Supporters like longtime confidante Debbie Mesloh insist she’s weighing her options carefully. “I’m sure she is weighing where she can make the greatest impact,” Mesloh said, noting that Harris’ process is rooted in experience and a strong sense of responsibility.
In the meantime, California politicos are dissecting her every move. While she’s drawn warm crowds at community events like Easter services and high school graduations, her appearance at the Met Gala and absence from the state Democratic convention have raised eyebrows about whether she’s seriously preparing for a gubernatorial campaign.
According to those close to her, Harris is exploring multiple paths including a 2026 gubernatorial run, a possible 2028 presidential bid, or even stepping away from elected office altogether to pursue a civic leadership role. For now, she’s keeping her options open.
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