Harris Thanks Supporters for 'Standing Up for Democracy' at DNC Winter Meeting — Keeps 2028 Option Open

Former Vice President Kamala Harris used her remarks at the Democratic National Committee's annual winter meeting in Los Angeles to thank supporters for "standing up for our democracy" and defending the "rule of law." She framed their work as central to the party's mission and called for a clear vision for the party's future beyond the midterms.

Remarks and Key Messages

Harris, who became the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, told attendees that people often direct gratitude toward her because she is the public face of many of the party's efforts.

"People then come up to me in various places and when they thank me, they are thanking you for standing up for our democracy, for the rule of law, for values and principles, for community, for the breadth and depth of who we are with all of our beautiful differences as a nation," she said.

Harris emphasized that praise offered to her is really praise for the volunteers, organizers and activists who uphold foundational American ideals. She invoked the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while thanking party workers for their ongoing efforts.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said Democrats express gratitude towards her because she is the "public face of a lot of the work that we do."

"When they thank me, they are thanking you for the work that you do that are about upholding basic principles that are at the foundation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. So thank you for everything that you have done, that you are doing and you will do," she added.

Political Future and Priorities

The former vice president confirmed she decided against launching a 2026 gubernatorial bid in California but left open the possibility of another presidential run in 2028. She urged Democrats to focus on the upcoming midterms while also developing a strategy for what comes after.

"Obviously, we must focus on the midterms. But Democrats, we must also have a clear vision for what comes after the midterms. And then after Trump. We need to answer the question: what comes next for our party and our democracy?" she said.

Harris warned that many Americans feel the promise of the American dream has eroded amid rising costs. She described an affordability crisis affecting food, energy, health care, transportation and housing, and linked economic struggles to a broader loss of confidence in public institutions.

"And in so doing, we must be honest that for so many, the American dream has become more of a myth than a reality. Whether it's the cost of food, energy, health care, transportation or housing, America is facing an affordability crisis..."

Recent Wins and Criticism of MAGA

Harris highlighted recent Democratic successes in local elections — from Jackson and Atlanta to Sacramento and New York — saying voters are choosing leaders who prioritize affordability, health care and broad participation in democracy.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is keeping the door open to a 2028 presidential run.

She also criticized former President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, calling them symptoms of deeper systemic issues. Harris contrasted Trump's positive public characterizations of the economy with the realities many Americans face.

"A few days ago, he said the economy was... 'a plus, plus, plus, plus, plus.' There is nothing a plus about any of this," she said. "Donald Trump is not the only source of our problems. He and the rise of the MAGA movement, I believe, are a symptom of a failed system..."

Harris tied those frustrations to long-term trends such as outsourcing, financial deregulation, growing income inequality, a broken campaign finance system and partisan gridlock — all factors she said contribute to the country’s current political and economic challenges.

Location: Los Angeles — DNC Annual Winter Meeting