Axios: Harris signals early move toward 2028 White House bid

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a series of high-profile steps this week that Democrats increasingly interpret as an effort to keep a 2028 presidential run firmly on the table, despite lingering doubts among some party leaders and donors about her electoral prospects, Axios reports.

After keeping a relatively low profile earlier this year, Harris has expanded a book tour tied to 107 Days, her account of the short-lived 2024 presidential campaign. Newly announced stops include South Carolina — a decisive early primary state — as well as cities with large Black electorates such as Detroit, Jackson, Memphis and Montgomery, signalling a clear focus on the Democratic Party’s most influential primary voting bloc.

Harris also appeared at the Democratic National Committee’s winter meeting in Los Angeles, where she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, met with senior party officials and state party chairs. During a reception, DNC Chair Ken Martin introduced Emhoff as the “former second gentleman” and joked that he could one day become the “future first gentleman”, according to attendees.

In a speech to Democratic officials on December 12, Harris unveiled rhetoric that marked a departure from her campaign messaging last year, when she frequently defended the Biden administration’s record. She criticised both major parties and the political status quo, arguing that public trust in government has eroded.

“Both parties have failed to hold the public’s trust,” Harris said. “Government is viewed as fundamentally unable to meet the needs of its people… People are done with the status quo and they’re ready to break things to force change.” She described President Donald Trump as a “symptom” of deeper systemic problems.

Several committee members said the speech fuelled enthusiasm for a potential 2028 bid. When Harris referred to “the future”, one attendee reportedly shouted: “You!”

Harris spokesperson Kirsten Allen said the former vice president is focused on “listening to the American people” and “helping shape the path forward beyond this political moment”, adding that her plans include supporting efforts to regain Democratic majorities in the House and Senate in 2026.

Polling suggests Harris remains a formidable figure within the party. She leads or sits near the top in most national surveys of the 2028 Democratic primary field and retains strong backing among Black voters. Morning Consult has consistently placed her ahead of California Governor Gavin Newsom and shows her narrowly outperforming Vice President J.D. Vance in hypothetical general election matchups.

However, recent polls in New Hampshire — another key early primary state — show Harris trailing Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, underscoring the volatility of early-stage national polling.

By Vugar Khalilov