A once-prominent political figure contemplates her next steps following an unprecedented presidential campaign defeat.

According to New York Post, Vice President Kamala Harris has been quietly directing her allies to maintain potential pathways for a political comeback, with speculation pointing toward either a 2026 California gubernatorial run or another presidential bid in 2028.

The 60-year-old Democrat, who became the first member of her party to lose the popular vote in a presidential election in two decades, has been expressing determination to her inner circle about remaining politically active.

Sources close to the vice president reveal she intends to discuss her political future with family members during the holiday season.

Strategic Planning Amid Political Uncertainty

Harris's team is carefully weighing various options for her post-vice presidential career. Political analysts suggest establishing an organization that would enable her to maintain her public presence through speaking engagements and preserve crucial political connections.

The timing of such decisions remains flexible, with advisers noting the absence of immediate pressure to commit to specific plans.

Betting markets have positioned Harris as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race, though she currently trails behind other Democratic figures. Notable figures ahead of her include former First Lady Michelle Obama and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The landscape of both major parties is expected to be wide open for the 2028 election cycle.

Recent polling data presents a complex picture of Harris's political standing. An NBC News poll from June 2023 revealed challenging approval numbers, with 49% of registered voters expressing negative views and only 32% indicating positive opinions. However, a more recent Echelon Insights poll showed Harris leading potential 2028 Democratic primary candidates with 41% support.

California Gubernatorial Prospects Emerge

Term limits preventing current Governor Gavin Newsom from seeking re-election have created a potential opening for Harris in California.

The situation has sparked discussions about her possible return to state politics, where she previously served as Attorney General and Senator.

Former Harris aide Brian Brokaw offered this perspective on her options:

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. Would she have a whole bunch of skepticism from the outset, because she has run in a full-length Democratic primary where [in 2019] she didn't even make it long enough to be in the Iowa caucus, and then she was the nominee this year? People can learn a lot from their previous adversity, too.

The vice president's immediate focus appears to be on personal reflection rather than political maneuvering. Her recent vacation to Hawaii, notably missing a White House gathering of campaign donors and insiders, suggests a deliberate step back from public life.

Transition Period Brings New Challenges

Harris faces several significant milestones in her transition from vice president. Her Secret Service protection will conclude six months after Trump's inauguration, and she must preside over the certification of her own electoral defeat. These events mark crucial turning points in her political trajectory.

Another former aide emphasized Harris's methodical approach to decision-making:

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.

The vice president must also determine her post-White House residence, choosing between returning to California or establishing herself elsewhere. This decision could significantly impact her future political prospects and public presence.

Looking Ahead The Political Horizon

Vice President Kamala Harris currently stands at a critical juncture following her historic defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

After serving as the Democratic Party's standard-bearer for 107 days following President Biden's unexpected withdrawal, she now contemplates multiple political paths, including potential runs for California governor in 2026 or president in 2028.

The coming months will prove crucial as Harris evaluates her options while maintaining a lower public profile. Her decisions during this transition period could significantly shape both her personal political future and the broader landscape of the Democratic Party heading toward future election cycles.