A subtle but intensifying public campaign appears to be underway to dissuade former Vice President Kamala Harris from running for president in 2028. Recent remarks from key Democratic figures, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and California Governor Gavin Newsom, indicate a growing sentiment among some influential party members and donors that Harris should not pursue a presidential bid.
Hoffman, a significant Democratic donor, recently stated that a 2028 presidential run would be a "very challenging path" for Harris and that the field would likely be "very noisy." His comments, made at a Politico event, come shortly after Governor Newsom told CNN that he would not run for president if Harris were to enter the race. Newsom's statement is notable given his recent travels to early primary states and his long-standing positioning as a potential 2028 frontrunner.
Taken together, these statements suggest an early stage of public pressure on Harris, who has largely remained quiet on political matters since the 2024 election. While Harris has occasionally weighed in on issues, such as AI safety, her allies have previously emphasized her favorable polling numbers and strong support among core Democratic constituencies like Black voters and women.
However, the sentiment from some major donors suggests a shift in institutional support. John Morgan, another prominent Democratic donor, expressed his view that "everything associated with the Biden administration needs to be put to the side and moved on." He added that he does not believe Harris would garner sufficient financial or electoral support, citing potential competition with Newsom for California-based donors.
Newsom's pledge not to run if Harris enters the race can be interpreted as a strategic move to pressure Harris into making an early decision. By publicly deferring to her, Newsom may be incentivizing donors to make their preferences clear. This dynamic, according to observers, highlights the significant influence of major donors in shaping the early stages of presidential campaigns.
Historically, candidates like Harris, with broad name recognition, could emulate Joe Biden's 2020 strategy of delaying their announcement until later in the cycle, allowing other candidates to enter the race first. However, the current climate suggests that Harris might face challenges securing support from major liberal institutions and donors if she chooses to run. This situation could present an opportunity for Harris to embrace a more populist, bottom-up message, though it raises questions about whether such a strategy aligns with her political identity.
Meanwhile, on the ground in Maine, immigration policy has become a significant issue in the state's Senate race. Following a fatal shooting by ICE agents in Biddeford, Democratic candidates, including the eventual nominee Troy Jackson, called for the dismantling of ICE. Republican Senator Susan Collins has faced protests related to her role in negotiating funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
In response to federal immigration enforcement efforts and mass deportation initiatives, coalitions of progressive faith leaders have formed a "human wall" to protect immigrant workers and have staged vigils and protests against ICE. These faith leaders have been instrumental in coordinating mutual aid and advocating for immigration reform.
Separately, conservative Christian communities in Maine have become increasingly politically active, with a significant number of Turning Point Faith chapters. These groups are linking their faith to political stances, particularly on issues such as transgender student athletes. Despite Maine being one of the least religious states, this conservative faith community's influence in Republican politics has grown, especially since 2020.