Former US Vice President Kamala Harris is laying the groundwork for a possible 2028 presidential campaign by privately contacting New York City Mayor Eric Adams and holding closed-door meetings with influential figures in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, according to a report from Axios. As Harris seeks to rebound from criticism over her alignment with President Biden’s approach to Israel during the 2024 election campaign, her outreach efforts have been centered on rebuilding ties with key Democratic constituencies.
According to Axios, Harris recently spoke with Mayor Adams about the future of the Democratic Party, highlighting her focus on building relationships with prominent leaders within the party’s progressive wing. Furthermore, she has met with figures linked to the “Uncommitted” movement, a group of activists who opposed the Biden administration’s policy on the war in Gaza. This move demonstrates Harris’ attempt to connect with those who are dissatisfied with the administration’s stance on key foreign policy issues.
Her consultations have also extended to Democrats and former aides, who are advising her on issues such as China, artificial intelligence, and Venezuela. These areas of focus are seen as critical to a presidential campaign, as they highlight Harris’ policy expertise and her ability to navigate complex global issues.
While Harris has not publicly announced her intentions to run in 2028, her efforts to reconnect with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing are seen as a key indicator of her potential candidacy. Her outreach to Mayor Adams, as well as her meetings with key activists, are designed to rebuild trust and demonstrate her commitment to the party’s values.
Critics had accused Harris of failing to prioritize the Democratic Party’s progressive wing during the 2024 election campaign, leading to concerns that she may not be well-positioned to appeal to key constituencies in a future campaign. However, Harris’ recent efforts suggest that she is actively working to address these concerns and build a foundation for a potential presidential campaign.
