Even Kamala Harris' biggest cheerleader doesn't want her to run for president again

Kamala Harris' 2024 defeat raised questions about her standing in the Democratic Party and her ability to mount a stronger presidential campaign
Douglas Emhoff reportedly told confidants he preferred Kamala Harris not run again after her 2024 presidential campaign ended in defeat (Getty Images)
Douglas Emhoff reportedly told confidants he preferred Kamala Harris not run again after her 2024 presidential campaign ended in defeat (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: With the midterms weeks away, the 2028 presidential field is starting to take shape.

For now, top names surfacing for the presidential race are former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear from the Democratic Party.

On the other hand, Vice President JD Vance and Sen Ted Cruz are the two names currently surfacing in the political landscape as potential GOP nominees. 

While Vance is widely seen as the GOP front-runner, the confusion on the Democratic side is becoming more evident.

Kamala Harris' husband wants her to skip 2028

Douglas Emhoff has reportedly told people privately that he “would prefer” his wife not run for president again, after her 2024 campaign, launched when Biden withdrew, ended in a defeat to Donald Trump, who won all seven swing states.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 29: Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is embraced by  Second gentleman Doug Emhoff during a campaign rally on the Ellipse on October 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. With one week remaining before Election Day, Harris delivered her “closing argument,” a speech where she outlined her plan for America and urged voters to “turn the page” on Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff has expressed concerns about another presidential run (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, October 9, that Emhoff, 61, “has privately told some people he would prefer she didn’t run.” But people close to them expect him to support her if she decides to run again, the outlet further noted.

The former vice president has yet to decide if she will attempt another presidential campaign.

The Journal also noted that donors have expressed their concerns about another Harris run.

Harris quietly lays groundwork while keeping 2028 open

Harris entered the 2024 presidential race after Joe Biden suddenly dropped out, leaving her just 107 days to campaign. Her candidacy also faced criticism because she had not gone through the primary process.

WAYNE, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 08: Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally at United Auto Workers Local 900 on August 8, 2024 in Wayne, Michigan. Kamala Harris and her newly selected running mate Tim Walz are campaigning across the country this week. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The then Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally at United Auto Workers Local 900 on August 8, 2024, in Wayne, Michigan (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The Democrat has taken steps that could point to another run, including hiring staff, visiting battleground states and speaking with major donors. However, she has publicly focused on the midterm elections.

Ahead of the November midterm elections, Harris has attended Democratic fundraisers, including private events supporting Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley and Nevada gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford, according to the Journal.

Speaking at a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) event in Michigan in September, Harris said she had yet to decide whether to launch another presidential campaign.

(Getty Images)
Harris' 2024 defeat has left questions about her position within the Democratic Party (Getty Images)

“I have not decided if I’m going to run again,” she said at an event last month. “I do sincerely believe '28 won’t matter if we don’t get through '26.”

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