Two months after her bruising election loss to Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris is at a critical juncture, facing the daunting task of certifying her own defeat. As President of the Senate, she is set to oversee the Electoral College vote count, a formality that will officially confirm her rival’s victory and pave the way for his return to the White House in just two weeks. This moment, laden with irony and discomfort, requires Harris to uphold her constitutional duties with grace, despite the sharp contrast to her campaign’s warnings about the threat Trump posed to American democracy.
This isn’t uncharted territory for losing presidential candidates. History recalls Al Gore in 2001 and Richard Nixon in 1961 performing the same duty. However, for Harris, this ceremony marks the close of an extraordinary, albeit brief, chapter. She transitioned from Vice President, a heartbeat away from the presidency, to the Democratic standard-bearer in a whirlwind campaign that ignited initial hope but culminated in a significant loss, revealing fractures within her party.
Her Current Role: Kamala Harris Performing Constitutional Duty
Now, the pressing question is: Where Is Kamala headed next? Harris and her team are deep in deliberation, considering paths that range from another presidential bid in 2028 to a run for governor of California. While history often sees losing presidential candidates like Gore, Kerry, and Clinton stepping back from future White House races, Harris’s supporters argue her situation is unique. They emphasize the groundswell of support she garnered and the compressed timeline of her campaign as reasons why she still holds considerable potential for the Oval Office. They even draw parallels to Donald Trump’s political resilience, highlighting his victories in 2016 and 2024 despite his 2020 loss.
However, within the Democratic party, opinions are divided. While some don’t attribute Trump’s victory to Harris, others, still reeling from the election results, are hesitant about another Harris presidential campaign. Strategists are eyeing a cadre of Democratic governors who supported Harris in 2024 but harbor their own presidential ambitions, viewing them as potentially stronger candidates for future elections.
President Donald Trump points towards Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, as he speaks during a presidential debate
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Face-Off in a Televised Presidential Debate
Harris herself remains unhurried in making definitive decisions. She has conveyed to advisors and allies her openness to various opportunities post-Inauguration Day on January 20th. She is currently engaged in a period of reflection, evaluating the intense 107-day campaign that encompassed launching a presidential bid, selecting a running mate, leading the party convention, and extensive national campaigning. Her aides also remind that she is still the Vice President of the United States for a short time longer.
Donna Brazile, a close ally and campaign advisor, noted, “She has a decision to make, and you can’t make it when you’re still on the treadmill… all options are on the table because there’s an appetite for change, and I do believe that she can represent that change in the future.” Brazile also referenced Al Gore’s post-election transition into environmental activism, suggesting Harris could also forge a new path.
A significant challenge for any potential 2028 presidential run is whether Harris can establish a distinct political identity separate from Joe Biden. This was a hurdle she struggled to overcome during the recent campaign. Some allies argue that Biden’s initial decision to seek re-election, followed by his later withdrawal, ultimately undermined her candidacy.
Despite Trump’s victory across key battleground states and his popular vote win, Harris still garnered 75 million votes. Her supporters argue this substantial figure cannot be disregarded as the Democratic Party seeks to rebuild. Conversely, Biden’s camp maintains he could have defeated Trump again, despite pre-election polls indicating declining support among key Democratic voter demographics. They point to Harris’s underperformance with core Democratic groups, including Black and Latino voters, and recall her unsuccessful 2019 presidential campaign.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris United at the Democratic National Convention
However, some within Trump’s team acknowledge Harris’s relative strength on certain issues, such as the economy, among voters. Looking ahead to a potential 2028 Democratic primary, Harris would likely face formidable competition from rising figures like Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Gavin Newsom of California.
Despite this, some Democrats believe Harris would enter any primary race as a frontrunner, benefiting from national recognition, a valuable donor list, and a network of volunteers. Brazile emphasizes her potential role in the 2026 midterm elections, stating, “What state party would not want her to come help them set the table for the 2026 midterm elections?”
Beyond electoral politics, other avenues are being considered. Harris could establish a foundation or a political institute at Howard University, her alma mater. Her background as a prosecutor could position her for roles like Secretary of State or Attorney General in a future Democratic administration. Writing another book is also a possibility.
Regardless of the specific path she chooses, Harris has emphasized her intention to remain visible and influential within the Democratic party. One advisor suggested she could adopt a more global focus, engaging with international issues, although doing so without the platform of the vice-presidency presents challenges.
Kamala Harris Participating in Hurricane Relief Efforts in North Carolina
In the final days of the Biden-Harris administration, Harris is planning an international trip, signaling her desire to maintain a global presence and build a legacy beyond her current role. For Harris and her team, the post-election period has been a time of reflection and planning. Aides describe the campaign as a challenging sprint that ultimately increased her popularity, even in defeat.
Following the election, Harris and her husband spent time in Hawaii, contemplating her future. At a staff holiday party, she recounted her post-election message to her family: “We are not having a pity party!”
Advisors indicate that Harris is still processing the election outcome and intends to observe the unfolding political landscape under the new administration before charting her next course. The “resistance” movement that emerged after Trump’s 2016 victory has lost traction, and Democrats are now adopting a more conciliatory approach.
Despite maintaining a lower profile since the election, Harris offered insights into her current mindset at an event in Maryland, stating, “We must stay in the fight… Everyone of us.” This refrain echoes her long-held commitment to political engagement.
Former US President Barack Obama celebrates by holding up Kamala Harris
Barack Obama and Kamala Harris Campaigning Together
One potential avenue for Harris to stay “in the fight” is a run for California governor in 2026. This role would position her in direct opposition to Trump’s policies and offer a significant platform. However, governing a major state could also complicate a future presidential campaign. Sources close to Harris say she is still considering this option, with some seeing it as a potential “capstone” to her career, granting her the historic distinction of becoming the nation’s first Black female governor.
However, transitioning from national politics to a state governorship presents a unique set of challenges. The private sector also offers opportunities. Debbie Walsh from the Center for American Women and Politics suggests that while women in politics often face limited options after electoral defeat, Harris will likely have numerous doors open to her.
Ultimately, for Kamala Harris, who has dedicated her career to public service, a future in elected office, perhaps as governor, may be the most natural progression. As one former advisor posed, “When you’ve had one client – the people – for the entirety of your career, where do you go from here?”
