In the aftermath of her election defeat, former Vice President Kamala Harris has engaged in several conversations with Hillary Clinton while contemplating her next steps following President Trump’s return to office.
The specifics of these discussions remain private, though reports from New York Magazine indicate Harris has been consulting with family and close associates about her future direction.
At 77, Clinton achieved notable firsts as the Democratic Party‘s presidential nominee and winner of the popular vote.
Harris, aged 60, made history as America’s first female vice president and became the second woman to lead the Democratic presidential ticket. Both women ultimately lost their respective races to Trump, 78.
Maya Harris, who previously served as Clinton’s senior policy adviser, also led her sister Kamala’s unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign.
Post-defeat, the former vice president publicly committed to continuing her political involvement, though she hasn’t elaborated on specific plans.
According to New York Magazine, Harris has indicated to close associates her desire to keep options open for a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Some supporters suggest she might pursue the California governorship in 2026, when Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom reaches his term limit.
The consensus among political observers suggests Harris faces three primary choices: pursuing the governorship, seeking the presidency, or withdrawing from public office.
Currently, both California Senate positions are occupied, limiting her options in that chamber where she previously served. Financial records show Harris has established Pioneer49 LLC in California, named after her Secret Service designation and her position as the 49th vice president.
Any future political endeavours will need to overcome the impact of her 2024 defeat. Historical precedent exists in Richard Nixon, who lost his California gubernatorial bid in 1962 after serving as vice president and losing a presidential race to John F Kennedy, before successfully returning in 1968.
Harris assumed Democratic leadership in July following President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, leaving her 107 days until the election. Adding to the complexity, Biden, 82, later suggested in a USAToday interview that he could have won had he remained the nominee, stating, “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes, based on the polling.”
Harris notably maintained loyalty by avoiding criticism of Biden throughout her campaign, despite strategic advice to the contrary.
The Post sought comments from representatives of both Harris and Clinton. Clinton’s post-election path led her away from public office, culminating in her 2023 appointment as professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University.
