Bijay Nayak
Washington, D.C. — In a heartfelt address to a somber crowd at Howard University, her alma mater, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a powerful message following her defeat by Republican rival Donald Trump in the 2024 US election. Though the 60-year-old will officially leave office in 72 days, she reaffirmed her commitment to the values and goals that fueled her campaign. While she has yet to announce concrete plans for her political future, speculation around her next steps has already begun. Here’s a look at potential paths Harris could consider as she transitions from her role as Vice President.
Kamala Harris ,Preparing for a 2028 Comeback?
With her extensive experience and significant name recognition, one of the most anticipated options for Kamala Harris is preparing for another presidential run in 2028. Historical precedent may support this possibility. Figures like John Kerry, who was the Democratic nominee in 2004, did not fade from the political landscape after his loss to George Bush; rather, he returned to serve as Secretary of State during Barack Obama’s second term. Preparing for 2028 could give Harris the chance to maintain her visibility and influence while solidifying her platform and reengaging with the Democratic voter base.
However, Harris might face challenges in rallying financial and grassroots support, particularly in her home state. According to Democratic donor Mark Buell, “Everybody is devastated,” indicating that some supporters may be hesitant to back her again in the future. If she chooses to pursue this path, Harris may need to reconnect with disillusioned supporters and generate fresh enthusiasm for her vision.
Returning to the Senate
Another viable option for Kamala Harris would be to return to the Senate, where she previously served as a California senator from 2017 to 2021. Re-engaging in legislative work would allow her to continue shaping policy and rebuilding political support within California and beyond. Yet, this move is not without its own obstacles. Harris may encounter reluctance from Democratic donors in her home state, as expressed by donor Richie Greenberg. A Republican commentator from San Francisco, Greenberg believes Harris may struggle to regain the financial support she once commanded from influential donors in the Bay Area.
If she opts for a Senate run, Harris would need to revitalize her connections with California voters and donors alike. The potential challenge, however, lies in the time required to rebuild trust and energy within her base.
Role as a Party Leader or Spokesperson
With her prominent national profile and extensive connections, Kamala Harris may also find a role as a spokesperson or leader within the Democratic Party. This would enable her to leverage her influence and visibility to support Democratic initiatives and mentor emerging candidates, even without an elected office. In this capacity, Harris could help shape the party’s message on key issues and champion causes that align with her policy priorities.
However, analysts believe she might still face difficulty reestablishing her base of financial support, as fundraising enthusiasm for her may have dwindled among some loyalists. “She’s been a voice of the Democratic party for years,” said Greenberg, “but the financial base in San Francisco may not rally as before.” Nevertheless, a prominent role within the Democratic Party could allow Harris to continue her political career while building relationships and bolstering the party’s image.
Writing a Tell-All Book
Following in the footsteps of previous Democratic figures who have lost presidential bids, Kamala Harris could consider sharing her experiences in a memoir or documentary. Both Hillary Clinton and Al Gore took this route after their defeats. Clinton’s book, What Happened, offered her personal insights following her 2016 loss to Trump, while Gore created An Inconvenient Truth, which brought attention to climate change.
For Harris, a tell-all book would offer a platform to share her thoughts on her time in office, the challenges of the campaign trail, and her vision for the future. This route could provide an alternative way to keep her voice present in the national conversation while reaching a broader audience.
Taking Time Away from Politics
As Kamala Harris contemplates her next move, she may choose to take a step back from politics altogether, at least temporarily. After years of intense political work, including her time as Vice President, a break from the spotlight could be refreshing. Harris herself hinted at the desire to relax and indulge after her term ends. At a Pennsylvania bookstore event, she joked, “I plan on putting on some pounds after this is over. They’re working me to the bone.”
Should Harris choose to step away, she might still follow Hillary Clinton’s example of maintaining key relationships with donors and other influential figures, even while taking a lower-profile approach to public life. This would allow her to remain connected to the political landscape without the day-to-day demands of an elected office.
The Road Ahead for Kamala Harris
As Kamala Harris nears the end of her term as Vice President, her future remains open to various possibilities, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Whether she prepares for a 2028 presidential bid, returns to the Senate, takes a leading role in the Democratic Party, publishes a memoir, or simply takes some time to relax, Harris’s impact on American politics is far from over. Her decisions in the coming months will likely shape the next chapter of her career and, potentially, her place in history.
Only time will tell which path Harris will choose, but her commitment to public service and her dedication to the causes she holds dear suggest that she will continue to be a significant presence in U.S. politics.
