California Gov and Kamala Harris Among Potential Democratic Contenders

By: Leyah Jackson

2026 marks the halfway point for President Donald Trump’s second term in office. As November approaches, the Democratic Party is deciding who will be the new phase of the party. 

The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and former Vice President and President Elect Kamala Harris, as well as other politicians have been speculated. 

When asked if she would be the female president in a BBC interview, Former Vice President Kamala Harris said, “Possibly”, stirring speculation that she may run again. She continued saying, “I am not done,” insinuating that even if she does not become president in the future she still sees herself in politics.

“I think Kamala Harris will run for president again and very much does have a chance. She’ll have a lot of competition – people who are more dynamic and fresh to the party,” said Richard Johnson, third year political science major. “But, if you check the early polling for the 2028 race she’s the front runner because she is basically the face of the Democratic Party right now.” 

According to BBC, Harris spoke regretfully about not having a long enough campaign to touch on “‘bread and butter’ issues, such as housing and health care.”

“Kamala Harris is definitely trying to galvanize attention and might make an attempt at running again, but in the long run I think she’ll become a big endorser of Gavin Newsom,” said Johnson.

According to AP News, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he will consider running for president after the 2026 midterm elections. 

In an interview with Newsome AP News asked on CBS Sunday Morning, if  it would be fair to say he would give the campaign serious consideration after the November 2026 vote. Newsom said, “I’d be lying otherwise.”

“Gavin Newsom has been governor of one of the largest and most powerful states in the country. That kind of experience is invaluable as a president. Not to mention he’s one of the most vocal anti-Trump democratic politicians…However, some of his work as governor is controversial especially the war he’s waged against the homless,” said Johnson. 

Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore has been suggested by many, and is speculated to campaign in the future. However, in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” this year he said he is "not running for president."

Some are still hopeful, as there have been presidential candidates who have changed stances and decided to run, in the past.