Big-time Democratic donors are scoffing at the prospect of handing over more money to former Vice President Kamala Harris should she run for president in 2028.
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, political allies and former aides close to Harris have all shied away from an endorsement of the failed 2024 presidential nominee.
Powerful financial backers and sponsors are refusing to open their wallets to Harris after she blew through a billion dollars in her landslide defeat to President Donald Trump in 2024.
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Kamala’s cash crisis: Big donors turn their backs on Harris as 2028 bid already hangs by a thread https://t.co/WqKoPOr3Bs pic.twitter.com/FIJKFFW4VC
— FutureTrump2️⃣⏺2️⃣4⃣🍊 (@RealTrump2020_) May 10, 2026
In scathing interviews from former fundraisers and donors who gave more than $1 million to her 2024 campaign, many refused to embrace Harris as a future contender.
“I think it is too early to pick a favorite in the 2028 race, but Kamala Harris will not be my candidate,” one donor told the Los Angeles Times. “I don’t think she would appeal to a swing voter, and we need swing voters to win.”
“I don’t think it’s a helpful narrative [for 2028] to start with the 2024 hangover,” one anonymous fundraiser for Harris’s 2024 campaign said. “There is an enormous appetite for new blood — something fresh, something that really represents the future, not the past.”
Harris, who ruled out a run for governor of her home state, has hinted at a possible presidential campaign, saying she “might” run.
But while she may be considering it, former backers and supporters may not be ready to line up behind her.
“She’s run, she’s lost, so the question’s going to be, is there somebody that gives Democratic voters more of a sense that they could win?” said Dick Harpootlian, a longtime South Carolina Democratic strategist.
“That’s what all of us are looking for. We want to win in ‘28.”
One of South Carolina’s most influential Democrats, Rep. James E. Clyburn — long viewed as a kingmaker in Democratic presidential politics — also appeared reluctant to rally behind Harris for another White House run.
“I’m not thinking about 2028, and if she were to call me I wouldn’t talk to her about it,” Clyburn said when asked about Harris’s chances.
Clyburn previously praised California Gov. Gavin Newsom as a strong future presidential contender, fueling speculation that some influential Democrats may already be looking beyond Harris for the next generation of party leadership.
Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix who gave $1 million to the pro-Harris super PAC Future Forward, also suggested he would rather support Newsom.
“Gavin is the candidate who can motivate both the left and the center,” Hastings said, referring to Newsom.
Several major donors either declined to publicly discuss Harris’ prospects, failed to respond to requests for comment, or indicated they were looking for a “fresh” face capable of energizing voters after her brutal 2024 loss.
“There were others connected to Future Forward who felt the same way,” the report said.
“A lot of people love her and also don’t think that she is the answer for 2028,” one fundraiser added.
However, despite Harris’ lack of cash infusion, she still maintains strong polling numbers among Democratic voters.
A recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll found she led the potential Democratic primary field with support from roughly half of Democratic respondents, suggesting grassroots voters may be more receptive to her candidacy than elite donors and strategists.