What Lies Ahead for Kamala Harris? Exploring Her Path Forward After 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris faces a pivotal moment in her political career as she prepares to leave the White House following her defeat to President-elect Donald Trump.

Despite the loss, speculation is already swirling about Harris’s next move, with many Democrats expressing hope that she will run for the presidency again in 2028 and potentially become the 48th president of the United States.

Early polling indicates that Harris remains a favorite among many Democrats, who believe her leadership, charisma, and political experience position her as a strong contender for the Oval Office.

Democratic strategist Kate Maeder highlighted the vice president’s enduring appeal, saying, “She’s young for politics in this country, and folks are excited to see what she does next. She’s built a powerful following, and I think that will carry her forward after this election.”

While the 2024 election was a tough loss for Democrats—marked by a significant Republican victory in Congress and a rightward shift in many states—Harris’s concession speech struck a hopeful and determined tone.

She emphasized her commitment to the values that fueled her campaign and her dedication to fighting for the issues she believes in.

Harris’s political path could take several directions. Experts note that she is among a small group of vice presidents who have lost a presidential race and later reinvented their careers.

Richard Nixon, for instance, failed in his bid for California governor before making a comeback to win the presidency in 1968. Similarly, Hubert Humphrey returned to the Senate, and Al Gore pivoted to environmental activism, earning a Nobel Peace Prize.

If Harris chooses to remain in presidential politics, she would enter the 2028 race as a leading candidate. “If she decided to run in 2028, she’d start as a favorite,” said Jim Kessler, co-founder of the Third Way think tank. “Not a prohibitive favorite, but someone who is well-known, capable of raising money, and respected by voters.”

However, the 2028 Democratic primary field is already shaping up to be competitive, with rising stars like California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg potentially in the mix.

This crowded field could challenge Harris’s ability to recapture the momentum she built during her time as vice president.

Another potential route for Harris could be a return to California politics. The governorship will be up for grabs in 2026, as Newsom will be term-limited.

Nearly half of California voters polled recently said they would support Harris in a gubernatorial race, which could provide her a platform to champion progressive policies and oppose Trump’s agenda during his second term.

Running for governor would likely take Harris out of contention for the 2028 presidential race, but it could set the stage for a future bid in 2032.

Harris’s relatively young age—60 compared to Trump and President Biden, both over 20 years her senior—gives her time to plan her next political move.

Regardless of the path she chooses, Harris’s supporters believe she will remain a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. Fred Hicks, a Democratic strategist, said, “She can and should become the face of the Democratic resistance. Whether it’s through public office or advocacy, she still has a fight in her.”

As Democrats reflect on the 2024 loss and begin to rebuild, Harris’s voice is expected to play a key role. Some anticipate she may write a memoir or give speeches outlining her perspective on the election and its implications for the party’s future.

“I expect her to decompress what happened and share her understanding,” said attorney and strategist Abou Amara. “It’s important for Democrats to hear directly from her as they chart a path forward.”

For now, Harris’s immediate plans remain unclear. However, her potential to lead the Democratic Party into the next generation is undeniable.

As Maeder put it, “She’s proven she has something to offer when it comes to leadership. What she does next will be something worth watching.”

Whether it’s through another run for the presidency, state leadership, or advocacy work, Kamala Harris’s journey is far from over—and many believe her best chapters are still ahead.