Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ return to the political spotlight on Wednesday included not only a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump, but also a carefully worded acknowledgement of her political future goals.
Harris blasted President Trump’s economic agenda in her first major public remarks since her 2024 presidential defeat, speaking in San Francisco. His tariffs, “as I predicted, are clearly inviting a recession,” she said, in what was close to a “I told you so” moment, coming just about six months after Mr. Trump won all seven battleground states, as well as the popular vote, by more than 2.5 million votes.
Harris also stated that she has been discussing her next political steps as California prepares to elect its next governor in 2026 and Democrats look for a presidential candidate to run in 2028.
“Everybody is asking me, ‘Well, what’ve you been thinking about these days,'” she said, smiling as the Democratic audience applauded.
According to sources familiar with Harris’ thinking, she is considering running for governor in her home state, a third presidential run, or not seeking elected office at all.
“I don’t think she will make the wrong decision,” a former senior Harris campaign official told CBS News. “75 million Americans voted for her. “She is well-positioned.”
In recent weeks, Harris has increased her private outreach, meeting and speaking with Democratic officials, strategists, and allies. According to those close to her, the focus has been on shaping the Democratic Party’s future path rather than plotting her next campaign.
“She has been speaking to a lot of voices,” the former Harris campaign official explained.
According to sources familiar with the plans, Harris plans to announce her next political move by the end of the summer and will headline a large fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee in New York in May.