Kamala Harris weighs next steps as time as VP draws to a close

Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to consider the next steps in her political future as she and Biden prepare to exit power in Washington.

According to a report from Politico, Kamala Harris is currently taking a break from politics during a vacation in Hawaii. However those close to the Vice President expect her to spend the winter months seriously planning what comes next. That speculation has only mounted as reports emerge that Harris has vowed she is “staying in the fight” during multiple calls with her inner circle.

Two distinct opportunities have presented themselves following Harris’s loss in the November 5th election.

Some supporters of the Vice President are hoping to see her return to her home state of California to make a run for governor in 2026.

According to a recent poll from UC Berkely, without even entering the race, Harris already has the support of roughly 46% of California voters. That number includes a whopping 76% of Democrats in the state.

Those numbers are especially impressive considering seven other Democrats have already started campaigning for the seat.

Michael Preston, one of Harris’s former employees during her time as Attorney General, said Harris would be “the best governor candidate” in the race.

If Harris did become California’s next governor, she would make history as the first woman and first person of color to hold the role. She would also be the first Black woman ever to serve as a governor in the United States.

California alone ranks as the fifth largest economy in the world. And as its governor, Harris would play a critical role in pushing back against the Trump administration.

Vice President Kamala Harris remains the de-facto leader of the Democratic party

The other potential option for Harris is, of course, another run for the presidency.

Similar to the race for California governor, Harris currently holds a significant lead over other potential 2028 presidential candidates. According an Echelon Insight’s poll, Harris currently has the support of 41% of Democrats to be the 2028 nominee. Current California Governor Gavin Newsom comes in a distant second place at just eight percent.

Kamala Harris also holds a unique place in the Democratic party. Her brief but powerful campaign energized and largely unified the party. She became the first Black woman ever to be nominated for president by a major party, and won the third highest number of votes of any candidate in history. Harris’s more than 74 million votes eclipses the votes won by both Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama.

While pundits and prognosticators are split on which path Harris will choose, it is clear that she can only choose one.

Should Harris run for California Governor in 2026, she would likely have to forego a 2028 bid for the presidency. If she lost the election, her political capital would be irrevocably damaged. If she won, she would likely be unable to launch a presidential campaign within a few months of assuming office.

For now, however, Harris is taking a moment to pause, regroup, and review the opportunities in front of her. Whichever options she chooses, it’s clear that she will continue breaking barriers and making history.