As Kamala Harris weighs a return to California politics or a second presidential bid, Democrats on both coasts are growing impatient, questioning whether the former vice president's ambitions match the moment or the party's mood, Politico reported.
Harris has set a late-summer deadline to decide whether to run for California governor. Still, Democrats in two influential states are already signaling skepticism, and in some cases, fatigue.
At simultaneous Democrat gatherings this weekend in California and South Carolina, Harris' name surfaced repeatedly, though often with a tone of caution rather than enthusiasm. The former vice president, who lost her 2024 presidential bid to President Donald Trump, has yet to clarify her political future. Her deliberation is leaving donors, candidates, and activists in limbo.
"I think she should run for governor and be the best governor California has ever had," said Amanda Loveday, a Democrat strategist and former executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party. Others saw a California gubernatorial run less as a new chapter than a fallback.
"We haven't really heard from her on California issues since Trump's inauguration," said Madison Zimmerman, a state party delegate from rural Shasta County. "I feel like California isn't a consolation prize."
Harris, whose national prominence still outshines declared candidates for California governor, did not attend the California Democratic Party convention in Anaheim but sent a brief video greeting that was met with polite applause. Meanwhile, potential rivals worked the room and shook hands with the roughly 4,000 delegates and activists.
"My concern about Harris is that she would be using the position, if she won, as a placeholder for a second run at the presidency," said Carol Weiss, a delegate from Sunnyvale. "And that would make me feel like I'm wasting my vote."
Roger Salazar, a Democrat strategist unaffiliated with any campaign, said Harris' candidacy would be formidable. "The name ID, the fact she's won [multiple] times in California already — that track record is one that's hard to duplicate," he said.
Still, the uncertainty is stalling the race. Labor unions and major donors remain on the sidelines, and several candidates are hedging their bets until Harris decides.
"There's some frustration from both the candidates and activists," said Lorena Gonzalez, head of the California Labor Federation. "The longer that this waits, you'll see more candidates actually stay in the race."
Harris' name was largely absent from conversations without prompting in South Carolina. Some party members hinted that a gubernatorial run could be a dignified exit from the national scene, while others remained quietly supportive.
Michelle Brandt, former third vice chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, called the idea of a second Harris run "exciting" but emphasized caution with her still needing time to regroup.
Whether Harris takes the state path or prepares for another White House bid in 2028, Democrats across the country agree that the clock is ticking.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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