Echoing through the convention hall filled with California Democratic activists was the distant voice of Kamala Harris, delivered with a questionable level of enthusiasm via a brief video feed. The immediate reaction? Lukewarm clapping, at best. Although the former vice president wasn’t physically present with the 4,000 party delegates convening in Anaheim, California, her intention for the upcoming elections remained vague.
Ms. Harris’ return to California, following her underwhelming performance in the recent presidential race, has sparked whispers among Democrats about the possibility of her contending for Governor in 2026. An undoubtedly disruptive entry, the mere consideration broadcasts the aura of uncertainty hovering over her political path. Yet, the noticeable scarcity of her public presence and the silence regarding her intentions have left everyone second-guessing.
Symbolized by the towering video screens beaming her message in Anaheim, the enormity of her absence was palpable at the convention — an unexpected void leaving many attendees postulating over her seriousness about a potential run. The mixed feelings about her candidacy were evident, with some expressing their apprehension about the idea.
It felt clear that Ms. Harris’ intentions are met with skepticism when Mark Gracyk, a San Diego delegate working for a water utility firm, opined, ‘A governor campaign for Harris? I don’t see it. The working class will just roll their eyes to see the same faces again, feeling, ‘Here’s another one backed by the elites.”
While Harris is expected to decide her political route by summer’s end, her options remain broad — from another questionable tilt at the presidency come 2028 to a possible retirement from electoral politics. Although she was not at the convention hall, others sought to stake their own claim, creating interpersonal connections with the delegates.
Simultaneously, potential presidential contenders for 2028, like Ms. Harris’ running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, were present at the convention, delivering rousing remarks that ignited the crowd into full-blown enthusiasm – starkly contrasting the lukewarm reception to Ms. Harris’ video address.
As the national Democrats scratch their heads over the recourse from last year’s presidency and congressional defeats, Ms. Harris’ potential entry into the governor’s race raises an eyebrow among California party members. Yes, she’s quite recognized – possibly enough to pose a challenge for any Republican in the heavily Democratic state. But is familiarity enough?
Ms. Harris’ track record includes stints as California’s Attorney General and a U.S. Senator — roles that theoretically could lend some weight to a governorship campaign. However, backing Harris might just send the wrong message to voters — that the party is resistant to learning from past defeats.
The presence of Harris at the race’s forefront seemed to correlate with dwindling support among several demographics including Black and Latino voters, and men. In California, the reduced margin of victory against Donald J. Trump compared to the prior win of former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. points to her uninspiring candidacy.
As per her video message this Saturday, Ms. Harris urged California Democrats to persist in their opposition against President Trump’s agenda, conveniently choosing not to address the state issues — a blatant omission that speaks volumes of her focus, or lack thereof.
The lure of a female governor for a state yet to see one is tempting, but is Harris truly the best choice? Many critics are not so sure. After all, the Democrat’s path forward must be heavily centered on learning and growing from the painful lessons of previous failures.
The party needs a fresh restart post the Biden-Harris ticket debacle. Continuing to rally behind the same personalities, especially those whose candidacies have proven lackluster, might further alienate disenfranchised voters and hurt the Democrats in future elections.
If the Democrats want to maintain their hold on the diverse, complex state of California, a fresh face, representative of the state’s progressive values and multi-ethnic communities, might be just the ticket. Pushing the same familiar faces, like a potential Harris governorship, risks underselling the party’s commitment to new ideas and change.
The hermetic attention to opposing Trump’s policies, while essential, should not divert attention from the California issues that need urgent addressing. Harris’ recent focus on the former, leaving the latter unacknowledged, reveals a disconnection from the realities facing the very citizens she may seek to govern.
The Democrats have an uphill struggle before them — one that requires new strategies, fresh faces, and a willingness to adapt. Continuing to bank on the familiar stances and faces of elites such as Harris might prove more of a hindrance than a help. Are the Democrats brave enough to see that?