The Democratic Party’s loss in 2024 left Democrats with an identity crisis. Now, the Democratic National Committee is left with few options for recuperating from its losses and reorienting itself to strike back in 2028 with a stronger campaign. No one feels the brunt of the loss more than former Vice President Kamala Harris. With her political identity entwined with former President Joe Biden’s, Harris must take further steps to distinguish herself.
Harris might run for Governor of California in 2026, which could cause an unfavorable outcome for the DNC because California has many high-profile Democrats, such as Gavin Newsom and Katie Porter. With the reintroduction of Harris into the California political landscape, unnecessary inter-party conflict will occur.
While she only received 107 days to campaign, the weight of Harris’s loss is a blemish on her political career and the DNC’s ability to provide the best candidates to its constituents. For Harris to even attempt to run for president in 2028, she must find her identity outside of Joe Biden and earn the working-class vote.
Suppose Harris were to run for governor in 2026; she would likely do exceptionally well in the election. In a survey conducted by Emerson College of Polling, of the 911 respondents, 39% remain undecided, and 31% would vote for Harris as governor. Given the results, Harris will likely dominate the governor’s election if she runs, even holding a 23% difference from second place.
Harris’ support in California is divided; 50% of the polled believe Harris should not run for governor in 2026. It seems the Democratic Party is undergoing an identity crisis; the percentage of Republican voters has been consistently rising throughout every state.
The Democratic Party needs to adapt its approach to appeal to a broader segment of Americans. The best place for that change is the governor’s seat, where new leaders can take their turn in office and build experience for a potential nomination at the DNC. It is unfair how the DNC has effectively sidelined Harris; changes are needed for the Democratic Party to regain its momentum and become relevant in the United States again.
Effective personnel are the key to the Democratic Party’s recovery. However, the party needs to appeal not just to Democrats but also to Republicans and the working class. Until the Democratic Party stops its elitist attitude towards policy and starts trying to include the constituents of the centrist Republicans, the DNC will lose its steam and start to lose more power. Harris is not yet the champion the Democrats need, which leaves the DNC to do some soul-searching.
Harris’ career is far from over; after being vice president, it is hard to step down to more local forms of government. The answer does not lie with becoming governor for Harris; it starts with going back to her roots and redefining what Kamala Harris’ politics are. Politics that are not Joe Biden’s brand but Harris’. It is time for Harris to make a statement; if she has any chance of running for president in 2028, she needs to take action. It is possible that Kamala Harris will run for president, and hopefully, this time her campaign will have soul.
