California Democratic donors express little enthusiasm for Kamala Harris’ potential 2026 gubernatorial bid after 2024 defeat.

Harris Faces Skepticism After Presidential Defeat

Major Democratic fundraisers in California are expressing muted enthusiasm for former Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential run for governor in 2026, according to interviews reported Friday. Despite leading in early polls, Harris is struggling to ignite excitement among key donors and party strategists following her defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

Party insiders say that Harris’s high-profile loss to President Donald Trump left the donor base disillusioned and cautious. “She still would probably lead, but honestly, no one is incredibly pumped,” one prominent Southern California fundraiser told Politico. The lack of excitement reflects lingering frustration and “traumatizing” memories from Harris’s failed presidential campaign, which ended in debt and disappointment for supporters.

According to the report, some donors remain skeptical of Harris’s ability to present a winning strategy for California’s governorship and want assurances before rallying support. “There was more enthusiasm at first,” said longtime Harris supporter Mather Martin. “I think it waned a bit.” Another major donor, who contributed six figures to Harris’s campaign, described her White House bid’s implosion as “traumatizing” and expressed reluctance to back her again at the state level.

The prospect of a Harris gubernatorial campaign, some donors warn, risks resurfacing wounds from her 2024 loss and raising uncomfortable questions about the previous administration and President Biden’s health. “Donors realize it’s just going to bring up the whole pathetic last presidential, which no one wants to hear about again,” said one donor. “And then it’s the whole ‘Did you know Joe Biden?’ thing.”

Enthusiasm for a Harris Candidacy Remains Elusive

San Francisco donor-adviser Scott Drexel acknowledged the tepid response, saying, “It’s very fair to say there’s not an overwhelming clamor for Harris’ gubernatorial run.” He pointed out the uncertainty surrounding Harris’s intentions: “It’s very hard for there to be one if it’s not 100 percent clear if she really wants to do it.” Drexel added that every day Harris waits to clarify her plans, her perceived inevitability as a candidate diminishes. “She’s going to have to work for the nomination,” he said.

Joe Cotchett, a San Francisco trial lawyer and Democratic donor, observed that Harris is quietly consulting with allies around California about a possible run, but warned that “if she does, she’s going to have very difficult problems.”

Harris’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment about her plans. The 2026 governor’s race in California is expected to be closely watched, but for now, party insiders say the onus is on Harris to prove she can inspire confidence and enthusiasm among donors and voters alike.