Kamala Harris is quietly laying the groundwork for a 2026 run for California governor, but longtime Democratic donors are already pulling back. Multiple insiders say her crushing loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race has poisoned any shot at a political comeback.
Once considered the future of the Democratic Party, Harris is now being called a political liability by those who once wrote her the biggest checks. According to Politico, even her former top contributors want nothing to do with another campaign.
Mather Martin, a San Francisco-based fundraiser who once backed Harris with six-figure donations, said she now represents everything that went wrong with the party. He claimed the Democratic leadership’s decision to make Harris the nominee after Joe Biden dropped out triggered widespread political despair.
Another donor confessed that no one is excited about Harris anymore. He added that her candidacy would only force the party to relive the embarrassment of the last cycle and reopen discussions about Biden’s declining health and alleged cover-ups inside the White House.
Voters and fundraisers skeptical of new campaign
California Democratic heavyweight Joe Cotchett confirmed Harris has been calling key political players to assess her chances. But even he admitted she will face extremely difficult problems if she enters the race.
Harris, who replaced Biden in the 2024 general election after his disastrous debate showing on June 27, failed to generate enthusiasm among voters. Her campaign was marked by missteps, vague policies, and a perceived lack of leadership strength.
Following her loss, questions mounted about her role in shielding Biden’s mental and physical decline from the public. Insiders have whispered about attempts to suppress signs of cognitive issues to protect the administration’s image — a move many believe destroyed public trust.
A senior Democratic source said Harris remains obsessed with her political future despite the party’s desire to move on. He explained that unless party leaders spell out the reality of her damaged brand, she will continue chasing office.
Democratic insiders fear party backlash
Privately, strategists worry that a Harris gubernatorial run could backfire and fracture the party in California. They fear she would not only lose but also drain resources from more viable candidates.
The Biden-Harris era, already seen as chaotic, continues to haunt the Democratic base. The source noted that Harris is caught between ambition and political irrelevance.
Despite Harris still appearing at public events and talking to local leaders, one question looms louder than ever inside her own party — will anyone actually stand behind her this time?
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.