Kamala Harris’s fall from grace continues as California Democrats question whether the former vice president can rebound in a 2026 governor’s race. Many top donors describe her post-2024 standing as “pathetic” and “traumatizing.” Harris’s failures linger amid donor circles—and it could determine her political future.
A six-figure California Democratic donor told Politico, “Kamala just reminds you we are in this complete shit storm,” and warned that a new campaign “would only remind Democratic voters of the ‘traumatizing’ November election.” That blunt critique underlines how Harris’s failures last year still sting for many democrats.
At the state party convention, delegates expressed caution. “My concern about Harris is that she would be using the position, if she won, as a placeholder for a second run at the presidency,” said delegate Carol Weiss. Many believe Harris views California as a springboard to 2028 rather than a commitment to govern. State party delegate Madison Zimmerman put it plainly: “California isn’t a consolation prize.”
Harris has responded with private outreach: thank-you calls, listening sessions, and quiet meetings. She intends to decide on a run by late summer. But momentum remains stalled. “There was more enthusiasm at first,” admitted fundraiser Mather Martin. “I think it waned a bit.”
As one contributor put it, “With Biden, we got bamboozled… I’m furious at them, truly.” That blunt frustration may prove decisive—reminding Harris that political redemption demands more than name recognition.
