Doug Emhoff told close friends that he prefers Harris not to run, but may support her if she ultimately decides to seek the White House again—his partner role at Willkie Farr & Gallagher and the couple’s $8 million Malibu home add weight to his cautious stance.
Some Democratic donors have warned Harris that another campaign would be a long shot, citing her 1.5 billion‑dollar haul in 2024 and the shock of losing to Trump. The New York Post noted that these donors fear a repeat of the 2024 defeat, especially after Harris’s 107‑day scramble to secure the nomination.
Harris kept her political presence alive by attending fundraisers for Wisconsin governor David Crowley and Nevada governor Aaron Ford, and by joining a call with the Democratic National Committee and over 2,000 volunteers to boost get‑out‑the‑vote efforts. At an NAACP event in Michigan, she reiterated that she has not decided whether to run again and that the 2026 midterms must be the priority.
Polls show Harris leading the hypothetical Democratic field by double digits, a stark contrast to her 2024 loss. The data suggest she remains a viable contender, yet her decision hinges on assessing the party’s appetite for a 2028 bid.
With Emhoff’s reservations and donor caution, Harris’s focus has shifted to the 2026 midterms; her ultimate 2028 decision and the party’s strategy will be shaped by the outcomes in those elections.