California Democrats are facing the idea of Kamala Harris running for governor with the same excitement as a CNN reporter at a Trump event. There’s no longer any pretense about Harris being the strong, heroic figure once celebrated by Time Magazine in August 2024, or the future of the Democratic Party as New York magazine suggested. Her previous leadership led to defeat, and now, as she eyes the governor’s seat, a Democrat fundraiser admits, “no one is incredibly pumped.”
Politico recently noted that Harris is increasing her outreach to loyal supporters while considering a gubernatorial run. However, many Democratic donors remain unenthusiastic, still recovering from the disappointment of her presidential campaign loss. As she attempts to reconnect through “thank you visits, catch-up calls and listening sessions,” there’s a noticeable lack of excitement for her familiar blend of identity politics and far-left policies.
Some leading Democratic donors have expressed concern about Harris’s possible comeback, fearing it would “re-open still-fresh wounds from her defeat in 2024.” Mather Martin, a leftist fundraiser, observed, “There was more enthusiasm at first. I think it waned a bit.” This waning enthusiasm is likened to Bob Uecker’s famous line in “Major League” about a wildly off-course pitch being “juuuuust a bit outside.”
Another Democratic donor described Harris as a stark reminder of the party’s current disarray. “Kamala just reminds you we are in this complete s**t storm. With Biden, we got bamboozled,” the donor lamented, adding frustration over the party’s handling of the situation. This sentiment is likely shared by many within the party’s ranks.
As Harris contemplates her run for governor, a fundraiser highlighted that far-left donors “realize it’s just going to bring up the whole pathetic last presidential, which no one wants to hear about again.” The possibility of a Harris candidacy seems to evoke more dread than enthusiasm among some supporters. Scott Drexel, a Bay Area-based donor adviser, echoed this sentiment, noting a lack of overwhelming support for Harris to succeed the current governor.
Drexel suggested that the issue isn’t solely Harris’s lackluster presidential campaign performance or her difficulty articulating clear policies. Instead, the real problem is her indecision about whether to run for governor or wait until 2028 to pursue the presidency. “It’s very hard,” Drexel remarked, “for there to be one if it’s not 100 percent clear if she really wants to do it.”
Despite these challenges, Mather Martin remains optimistic, insisting that Harris’s positives outweigh her negatives. Martin believes that if Harris enters the race, her strengths will overshadow any concerns about her political baggage. However, what those strengths might be remains unclear.
Debbie Mesloh, a political strategist and longtime Harris confidante, expressed confidence in Harris’s approach. “I believe she is approaching this moment with thoughtfulness and a deep sense of responsibility,” Mesloh stated, emphasizing Harris’s consideration of where she can make the greatest impact. Yet, portraying Harris as a model of “thoughtfulness and responsibility” seems to stretch credibility.
The media will undoubtedly put a positive spin on whatever Kamala Harris decides to do next. However, for a more unfiltered perspective, some turn to platforms like PJ Media for the complete story on Harris and other left-leaning figures. Members of PJ Media VIP receive a comprehensive range of articles and podcasts without ads, offering an alternative viewpoint on political developments.
In the end, Harris’s potential gubernatorial run is met with mixed reactions, reflecting broader dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party. As she weighs her options, the enthusiasm gap among donors and supporters presents a significant hurdle. Whether Harris decides to pursue the governor’s seat or not, her political journey continues to be a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.
As Democrats grapple with their current challenges, figures like Harris become symbols of broader party issues. The question remains whether she can regain the momentum needed to inspire her base once more. Only time will tell if Kamala Harris’s political saga will take a new turn in California’s gubernatorial race.
