Former US Vice President Kamala Harris remains undecided about whether she will seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, while some of her former aides and advisers reportedly doubt that she will launch another campaign.
Harris, who was the Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 election, has continued to keep her plans for 2028 open. She has publicly indicated that she is considering another presidential bid but has not formally announced a campaign.
A recent Axios report provides a different perspective from some people who previously worked closely with Harris. The publication spoke with eight former senior advisers, surrogates and people familiar with her political operation. Five of those individuals said they believed Harris was unlikely to run in 2028. Two considered the possibility roughly even, while only one said they expected her to run.
The responses highlight the uncertainty surrounding Harris's political plans more than a year before the 2028 presidential election. The former vice president remains a potential candidate, but there is currently no formal announcement confirming that she will seek the Democratic nomination.
Harris's political activity has nevertheless continued. She has been working to support Democratic candidates and has maintained contact with party officials, activists and political supporters. Recent reports have also described plans for campaign appearances and political events during the period leading up to the 2026 midterm elections.
The uncertainty surrounding Harris comes as several Democrats are being discussed as potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also been mentioned as a possible contender. In September, Newsom said he would not run for president if Harris decided to enter the race. He said that running against Harris would create substantial overlap between their political supporters.
Harris has not said that Newsom's comments have influenced her decision. Her public position remains that she is considering whether to seek the presidency again.
The former vice president has also faced questions about whether she could rebuild support following her 2024 presidential campaign. Harris became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign in July 2024. She subsequently ran against Republican Donald Trump and lost the November 2024 presidential election.
A potential 2028 campaign would therefore represent another attempt by Harris to become president. She previously sought the Democratic nomination in 2020 before ending her campaign during the primary process. Her political experience includes serving as California attorney general, a US senator from California and vice president from 2021 to 2025.
Despite doubts from some former associates, Harris remains a significant name in early discussions about the 2028 Democratic field. Recent polling has placed her near the top of some early Democratic preference surveys. However, such early polls are not predictions of the eventual nominee and can change considerably before voting begins.
The political environment could also change substantially between now and the 2028 Democratic primaries. Candidates who are currently considering campaigns may decide not to run, while other Democratic politicians could enter the race later.
Another factor is Harris's relationship with Democratic voters and party activists. Recent reporting has described efforts by Harris to reconnect with different parts of the Democratic coalition. She has also continued to participate in political events and support Democratic candidates.
Some former supporters and donors, however, have expressed reservations about another presidential campaign. ABC News previously reported that several former donors, fundraisers and campaign aides were not enthusiastic about another Harris bid, although other people familiar with her thinking said she was still considering her options.
The latest Axios reporting adds to the uncertainty. The views of former advisers do not establish what Harris herself will decide. Former staff members can offer insight into a political figure's plans, but their assessments are not an official indication of whether a campaign will be launched.
Harris has also not established a formal 2028 campaign organisation. The absence of a declared campaign means there is currently no official candidate platform or confirmed list of campaign priorities for a possible 2028 presidential bid.
For now, Harris appears to be maintaining flexibility while continuing political engagement. Her decision is being closely watched because a presidential campaign by the former vice president would affect the wider Democratic primary field and the strategies of other potential candidates.
The 2028 US presidential election is still more than two years away, and the Democratic nomination process has not formally begun. Therefore, early polling, comments from former aides and statements from potential candidates should be viewed as indicators of the current political discussion rather than final decisions.
The key development at present is that Harris has not ruled out another presidential campaign, but she has also not confirmed that she will run. Her former aides and advisers remain divided in their expectations, leaving her 2028 plans unresolved.