News/Commentary

Democrats express ‘real burden’ of Kamala Harris as 2028 looms

May 4, 2026 | | Print Article

The looming possibility of a Sacramento shakeup found Democrats regretting a twice-failed presidential hopeful’s consideration of a third run as her baggage brings a “real burden.”

Following Eric Swalwell’s resignation from Congress and his race for California governor, many have speculated that the sudden focus on alleged sexual misconduct — considered an “open secret” to some — was a strategic move by ruthless Democrats.

Now, as an all Republican outcome for the gubernatorial primary remains a possibility, some on the left feel former Vice President Kamala Harris missed an opportunity to help the party in favor of her own Icarus flight of fancy toward the White House.

“A California Dream? Some Democrats fear Harris picked the wrong race,” reads a headline from the New York Times as the Gray Lady presented thoughts on the question “Should Kamala Harris be running for California governor?”

Under the “rather grim” possibility that California’s jungle primary could result in Democrats failing to make the general election, the report first cited “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin, who recently petitioned former President Joe Biden’s border czar to give running her home state a second look.

“California, it’s like running a country,” said the talk show personality. “I know that she’s talked about being president — I don’t know if that’s the right position for her — but my goodness, she certainly knows California.”

Likewise, Third Way co-Founder Matt Bennett told the newspaper, “She would have been good at it, and it would have been a good job for her.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“It would have been good for Democrats everywhere,” he noted in contrast to her potential third bid for the presidency, “with a real burden” of her record. “It’s conceivable that she could craft a message, but she’s got a lot of explaining to do.”

Last week, NOTUS reporter Daniella Diaz cited several Democrats speaking out on the 2028 presidential election that included “real concerns” about Harris topping the ticket again after her 2024 failure.

“I would have been most enthusiastic had she looked at the governor’s race … I don’t think I’m alone in this view, that I would have real concerns about her being the nominee,” said one House Democrat while Harris supporter Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter (D) hedged, “I can’t support anybody right now … It’s way too early. We’ve got to see what the field offers.”

“It’s pretty obvious she would have dominated the race. It felt like it was an easy win and an easy walk into the governor’s mansion here,” political consultant Lara Bergthold told the Times. “I get the feeling that she wants to play on the national stage.”

ADVERTISEMENT

While mail-in voting begins this week, Democratic voters have been urged to wait to cast a vote until polling shows a clear frontrunner to avoid spoilers leading to an all Republican general election for the June 2 primary. The Times report emphasized that a 2025 statewide poll had put Harris in that spot, with 31% support if she were to have entered the race against competitors in single digits.

Recent polls have shown former congressman, State Attorney General, and Biden-era Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra enjoying a surge from behind to overtake the field, presenting the possibility of a head-to-head in the fall with conservative commentator Steve Hilton.

Kevin Haggerty
Latest posts by Kevin Haggerty (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Latest Articles