Former Vice President Kamala Harris has not yet made up her mind about a 2028 presidential run, she told actress Keke Palmer in a podcast interview released this week. The admission comes amid intense speculation about whether the Democrat will mount a third campaign for the White House.
During a wide-ranging conversation on Palmer's show, "Baby This is Keke Palmer," Harris discussed the Trump administration, the upcoming midterm elections, and her tenure as vice president. At the end of the episode, Palmer directly asked Harris about the presidential buzz.
"Before I really let you out of here, are you running for president again?" Palmer asked.
"I haven't decided. I haven't decided yet. I will, I promise," Harris responded.
Harris stressed that her immediate attention is on the November midterms, not the 2028 race. Her office announced Wednesday that she will campaign for Democrats across the country in the weeks leading up to Election Day, with stops planned in Mississippi, New Hampshire, Georgia, and other battleground states.
"'28 don't matter if we don't do '26 right. What's right in front of us," Harris told Palmer.
While the next presidential election is still two years away, recent polls suggest Harris is a leading contender for the Democratic nomination. A Focaldata/Financial Times survey released Sunday found Harris at 30% among Democratic primary voters, followed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 15%. Newsom has said he would not run in 2028 if Harris does.
Harris has previously teased a 2028 bid but has never committed. She opted not to run for California governor this year and published a book about her short-lived 2024 campaign, fueling speculation about her future plans. In February, she said she "might" run.
Black voters could play a pivotal role in a Harris primary campaign. In the same poll, Harris captured 45% of Black voters, with no other candidate breaking 20% in that demographic.
Palmer also asked Harris whether Democrats have taken Black voters for granted. Harris suggested her party could do more.
"I think there are people who take that for granted, that the Black folks are going to vote, without necessarily taking it to the next step and ask, 'But what do they need? What do they want?'" Harris said.
Harris's comments come as Democrats grapple with their electoral strategy ahead of the midterms. Her decision on 2028 will likely hinge on the outcome of the 2026 elections and the political landscape that emerges.
