Kamala Harris is positioning herself for a likely 2028 presidential bid and has introduced a sharper critique of both major parties and the political status quo. She described Donald Trump as a "symptom" of deeper systemic problems and urged voters to demand meaningful change. While she has drawn enthusiastic responses at events, some Democratic leaders and donors remain concerned about her electability after losing swing states in 2024. Early polls show Gavin Newsom leading Harris among Democratic voters.
Kamala Harris Lays Groundwork for 2028 With Stark 'Both Parties' Rebuke
Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Kamala Harris is positioning herself for a potential 2028 presidential run, unveiling a sharper message that criticizes both major parties and the political status quo.
Speaking to Democratic officials in Los Angeles, the 61-year-old former vice president argued that public distrust in government transcends party lines and warned that voters are increasingly willing to demand systemic change.
Kamala Harris appeared before the Democratic National Committee during the DNC's winter meeting last week. / Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
"Both parties have failed to hold the public's trust. 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," Harris said, according to Axios.
Harris framed former President Donald Trump, 79, as a "symptom" of deeper institutional failures and urged voters not to be "nostalgic for a flawed system that failed so many." The comments mark a notable shift from her 2024 campaign messaging, which some critics said kept her closely aligned with then-President Joe Biden.
Despite enthusiastic receptions at recent events — including applause at the United Farm Workers gala — some Democratic leaders and donors remain concerned about Harris's electability after she lost every swing state in 2024, Axios reports.
DNC Chair Ken Martin reportedly quipped that Harris's husband Doug Emhoff could be the future first gentleman. / Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
At a Democratic National Committee winter meeting reception, DNC Chair Ken Martin joked that Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, could someday be the first gentleman, according to attendees cited by Axios. Harris and Emhoff have continued to appear at party events while she weighs next steps: in July she announced she would not run for California governor in 2026, and when asked in October about another presidential bid she said, "I am not done."
Early Democratic preference polling shows California Governor Gavin Newsom leading the field. In a Yale Youth Poll, Newsom had 25% support, Harris 18%, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 16%. Tensions between Harris and Newsom have surfaced publicly — Harris's memoir, 107 Days, recounted that Newsom did not immediately return her call the day President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race; he later endorsed her nomination. Newsom said he later contacted Harris about the anecdote, and she replied she would follow up while on a book tour.
Harris spokesperson Kirsten Allen told Axios that Harris "will approach 2026 with the same commitment that anchored 2025—listening to the American people, reflecting where leadership has fallen short, and helping shape the path forward beyond this political moment." The Daily Beast has reached out to Harris's office for comment.
