Former Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential attempt at reentering the political ring with a run for California’s governorship has led to less than enthusiastic responses from influential Democrats in the state. It seems like ‘Kamala Harris fatigue’ may be taking root amongst party insiders. This sentiment hasn’t completely penetrated the voter base, but the signs of apathy are becoming more and more apparent.
Despite some sleepiness from party insiders, Harris still has clout within Democratic circles. If she did decide to throw her hat in the ring, she would have the advantage despite the limited enthusiasm amongst some Democrats. The conventional wisdom suggests that her legacy in California would provide her with considerable insulation during such a race.
Several early polls show Harris as the front-runner, provided she decides to enter the race. The decision, however, remains uncertain. The state of limbo raises eyebrows among certain party members who view her hesitation as a potential indication of her aspirations for a second shot at the presidency in 2028.
The idea that Harris may use the position of Governor as a fallback, or worse, a stepping stone, has led to marked annoyance amongst some California Democrats. This sentiment was more than evident at a recent meeting of influential party members in Anaheim, where frustration was openly expressed. One delegate even addressed the issue, stating that California wasn’t a ‘consolation prize’.
Another delegate voiced concern over the potential of Harris using the governorship as a placeholder for a future presidential run. The sentiment was shared by many other party members, with a significant number of attendees expressing significant disapproval. The idea of ‘Harris fatigue’ was echoed in these comments as well.
Such dissatisfaction isn’t limited to party insiders, though. Lorena Gonzalez, leader of the powerful California Labor Federation, indicated that many rank-and-file Democrats also aren’t showing much interest in a Harris candidacy. While it hasn’t gained much popular traction yet, the sentiment appears to be growing.
As Harris’s indecision persists, the spread of ‘Harris fatigue’ from party elites to everyday voters becomes more likely. The California voters, consequently, are torn. According to some polls, the potential voter base is evenly split about whether they wish to see Harris running for the governor’s desk.
While one could argue there’s a level of uncertainty in the poll numbers, it’s clear that Harris’s hesitation has managed to stifle the race, especially among donors. David Campos, Vice Chair of California Democrats, expressed frustration over the situation, pointing out that funds are being held back while waiting on Harris’s decision. The political competition is stuck in a standstill, anxiously awaiting her move.
Harris’s unique situation has given rise to various challenges, causing her to hold back her decision and leading to lukewarm reactions about her potential governorship. Her previous experience as a presidential candidate was far from traditional, and she faced significant difficulty in maintaining momentum throughout her campaign.
Additionally, one troublesome hurdle comes in the form of defending her association with former President Biden. Whether she runs for governor or takes another shot at the presidency, Harris will have to manage potential backlash due to her staunch defense of Biden’s capabilities. Such an obligation could prove to be a significant issue, particularly considering her close relationship with Biden.
As Campos mentioned, the public wants to participate in a political competition – not witness a pre-decided crowning. Harris’s potential participation in the race could be a game-changer, relighting long-standing grievances from the 2024 election about the sense of her unchallenged rise to power. Such a shake-up could lead to unforeseen implications for the competition.
It’s important to note, however, that not everyone at the Anaheim meeting held negative feelings toward Harris. A number of supporters remained enthusiastic about the prospect of her taking on leadership duties once more in California. However, irrespective of this enthusiasm, it would still be a significant misstep to think that Harris can keep voter interest indefinitely.
Though Harris may indeed be able to compile an arguably winning campaign, the delay in making a decision about whether she seeks a post in Sacramento or Washington, DC can only extend the risk of ‘Harris fatigue’ setting in. Ultimately, it appears that the former Vice President is playing a high-stakes game – a game that could potentially cost her political support if not navigated with care.