Former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to campaign for two Democratic House candidates in California, signaling an early strategy for her potential 2028 presidential run.
Harris is scheduled to headline a fundraiser on September 26 in San Diego for City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, who is running in the newly redrawn 48th Congressional District. On October 2, she will campaign in the Sacramento area for former state senator Richard Pan, challenging incumbent Rep. Kevin Kiley in the 6th Congressional District.
These appearances mark Harris' first announced midterm campaign stops in her home state and come as Democrats aim to leverage California's revised congressional map. The events were first reported by POLITICO.
Political consultant Matt Klink suggested that Harris' involvement is primarily aimed at energizing Democratic voters rather than broadening her appeal. "Harris isn’t testing whether she can broaden her appeal. Gavin Newsom’s Prop 50 redistricting already rigged these districts to make Democrats’ job easier," Klink told The California Post. "So Kamala’s campaign stops are about turnout, not persuasion."
Klink also stated that nationalizing these races around Harris could provide fodder for attack ads against Democrats, reminding voters of the Biden-Harris administration and diverting attention from former President Donald Trump.
California voters approved Proposition 50 in November 2025, which temporarily replaced existing congressional maps with those drawn by the Legislature. These maps are in effect for the 2026 elections and are set to remain through 2030. The measure was presented as a response to redistricting efforts in other states, while opponents argued it weakened the state's independent redistricting process.
The redrawn maps have altered the landscape for both targeted districts. In the 48th District, von Wilpert is vying to take a seat vacated by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, who is not seeking reelection. Von Wilpert will face Republican Jim Desmond in the general election.
In the 6th District, Pan, a pediatrician and former state senator, advanced from the primary along with Kiley. Kiley, a congressman, changed his party affiliation after redistricting reshaped his former district. The 6th District now includes parts of Sacramento, Placer, and Yolo counties.