The fight and pursuit to be the first female president has not died for VP Kamala Harris after her loss in the run against President-elect Donald Trump. Despite Trump preparing for his second term, beginning Jan. 20, 2025, VP Harris is already spreading the word to her advisers and allies about the potential future of her political career.
Last week, video footage of a speech from Harris was posted from a Democrats official X (formerly known as Twitter) account of a national grassroots call with Tim Walz. Harris encouraged her supporters to not be discouraged by her loss to Trump. The full video is also posted to Harris’ YouTube account. “I just have to remind you, don’t you ever let anybody take your power from you. You have the same power that you did before November 5th,” said Harris. “You have the same ability to engage and inspire. So, don’t ever let anybody or any circumstance take your power from you.”
This video came weeks after her loss of the election, in which she has spent time with her family and loved ones, keeping a low profile. With 20 years of serving in public office as a former prosecutor and senator, Harris is approaching a different phase of her political career. “We will be armed with the faith and fuel that tell us what’s possible and drive us to achieve it. So, let’s continue to organize and mobilize… stay engaged.” The speech went viral on social media as some members of the public made jokes alleging that Harris appeared to be under the influence and slurring.
Despite the mixed responses to Harris’ most recent speech, members of her inner circle share that she may consider running for governor of California, succeeding Gavin Newsom, or running for a third time in the 2028 presidential election and the 2032 presidential election, according to POLITICO.
Allies suggest that Harris continue to speak up against President-elect Donald Trump, maintain her presence in the political landscape, travel and deliver coherent speeches, and continue to build her political relationships, on the hills of receiving criticism about maxing out campaign funds. Democrats are concerned as email requests for donation funds are still being sent, a month after the 2024 election. Despite this, Harris appears to be steadfast in her connection to the public, despite her loss.
Brian Brokav, a former Harris aide who keeps in touch with Harris’ inner circle, told POLITICO, “She is not someone who makes rash decisions. She takes, sometimes, a painfully long time to make decisions. So I would pretty much guarantee you she has no idea what her next move is.” Brokav continues, “Could she run for governor? Yes. Do I think she wants to run for governor? Probably not. Could she win? Definitely. Would she like the job? I don’t know. Could she run for president again? Yes.”
