Democrat Donors Express Doubts
According to a recent report by Politico, top Democrat donors in California are not enthusiastic about the prospect of Kamala Harris running for governor. Many are still reeling from the aftermath of her failed presidential campaign, which left her in debt and raised serious doubts about her political viability. One six-figure donor articulated the sentiment, stating, "Kamala just reminds you we are in this complete shit storm. With Biden, we got bamboozled...I think she did the best she could in that situation, but obviously she knew about the cognitive decline too." This candid admission highlights the growing frustration among donors who feel betrayed by the Democratic leadership.
Harris's Political Image Under Scrutiny
The concerns over Harris's potential candidacy are compounded by her role in supporting President Biden's mental fitness during his presidency. As reported by Politico, many Democratic donors are worried that bringing up her past connections to Biden would only revive painful memories of a tumultuous administration. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa criticized both Harris and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for their silence on Biden's cognitive issues, stating, "For me it’s the consequences of their failure to say anything." This growing dissent raises questions about Harris's ability to rally support within her own party.
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Donors Seeking New Leadership
As the political landscape shifts, it is becoming increasingly clear that many donors are searching for fresh leadership within the Democratic Party. Mather Martin, a San Francisco fundraiser with ties to Harris's campaigns, noted that initial enthusiasm for Harris has waned. "There was more enthusiasm at first...I think it waned a bit." The dwindling excitement among donors indicates a potential lack of grassroots support for her gubernatorial ambitions. This opens the door for other candidates, like Villaraigosa, who are eager to challenge Harris's stature in California.
Republican Response to Harris's Potential Run
Republican commentators are keenly aware of the potential implications of a Harris gubernatorial bid. Conservative pundit Steve Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco have already launched campaigns focused on what they deem failed Democratic governance, positioning Harris as a prime example of this failure. The prospect of Harris running for governor excites Republican strategists, who view her as a vulnerable candidate. They argue that her past record, intertwined with the Biden administration's controversies, will be a focal point in any campaign.
Kamala Harris press conference on CNN with Tim Walz: How to watch
Harris's Decision Timeline and Challenges Ahead
As reported by Politico, Harris has until late summer to decide her political future. She is reportedly exploring multiple paths, including a run for governor in 2026, a potential presidential bid in 2028, or even a philanthropic venture. If she does choose to run, she will have to confront significant challenges, including addressing the fallout from California’s devastating wildfires and ongoing issues related to immigration enforcement. Joe Cotchett, a longtime Democrat donor, emphasized that if Harris proceeds with her gubernatorial campaign, she will face "very difficult problems." The reality of California's political landscape suggests that voters are looking for effective and genuine leadership, not a continuation of the status quo.
