Former Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly preparing for a potential third presidential campaign by engaging with major donors, hiring staff, and visiting battleground states, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. While she has expressed to associates that she is undecided about another White House run, her actions suggest preparations for a 2028 bid, as noted by multiple sources familiar with the discussions.
Harris has linked her future plans to the upcoming November midterms, stating at a NAACP event in Michigan last month that the outcome of this election cycle will influence her decision for 2028. "I have not decided if I’m going to run again," Harris said, which was met with a lengthy standing ovation. "I do sincerely believe ‘28 won’t matter if we don’t get through ‘26."
In addition to attending private fundraisers in California, Harris participated in a Democratic National Committee call aimed at mobilizing over 2,000 volunteers to encourage voter turnout across multiple states. She has also formed a team of advisers, including her chief of staff Candace Bond and communications director Eduardo Negrón.
The Harris Victory Fund reported raising more than $10.3 million from January to September 2025, with $8.5 million coming from contributions under $200, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
However, there is skepticism among some of her supporters. Certain donors have expressed doubts about the viability of a new campaign, and her husband, Doug Emhoff, has privately indicated a preference against her running, although he is expected to support her if she chooses to do so.
A survey conducted by the Los Angeles Times of over two dozen top donors to a pro-Harris super PAC revealed a lack of enthusiasm for another campaign, with one donor stating, "I think it is too early to pick a favorite in the 2028 race, but Kamala Harris will not be my candidate."
Despite these concerns, Harris continues to lead in most hypothetical polls for the 2028 Democratic primary and maintains strong support among black voters. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential rival, mentioned in a September CNN interview that he would not run if Harris decided to enter the race, describing a primary between two Californians as a "gift from God for everybody else."
Harris's potential candidacy follows a 2024 election cycle in which she secured the nomination without an open primary after President Joe Biden's unexpected exit, ultimately losing both the Electoral College and popular vote to President Donald Trump. She first indicated her openness to another run in April during a convention hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, stating she "might" enter the race.