In recent developments, Kamala Harris, who previously served as Vice President, has been actively engaging with key political figures in California amid the turmoil surrounding anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demonstrations in Los Angeles.
As reported by Politico, Harris reached out to Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss the situation. However, her attempts to speak directly with Newsom were unsuccessful, prompting her to leave a voicemail expressing her support.
According to the Daily Caller, the unrest in Los Angeles over the weekend prompted President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops to the city, a move that Harris criticized as a "dangerous escalation" in a statement posted on X. Harris, a native of California and a resident of Los Angeles, has a personal connection to the protests, having grown up during the civil rights movement. This background reportedly influenced her decision to speak out against the deployment of the National Guard.
Harris is reportedly contemplating her political future, with considerations of a gubernatorial run in California in 2026 or another presidential bid in 2028. Despite her unsuccessful campaign against President Trump in the 2024 election, where she failed to secure any of the seven battleground states, Harris remains a significant figure in the Democratic Party.
An anonymous supporter of Harris told Politico, "If she [Harris] was worried that her becoming governor might put a bigger target on California, the last week took that question off the table. Weve got a helluva target on us no matter who the governor is."
The political landscape for Harris is complex, with Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio noting the potential for "enhanced competition" should she pursue a presidential campaign in 2028. Maviglio highlighted Harris's reputation as the "most anti-Trump" candidate, which could influence her decision-making process.
"Theres enhanced competition if she does decide to run for President. Thats a worry, because shes clearly thinking, Do I want to do that again?" he remarked. "On the other hand, it helps her if she runs for governor, because aside from him in the state, shes viewed as the most anti-Trump candidate."
As Harris weighs her options, the political climate in California remains a focal point of national attention. The state's response to federal actions, particularly those involving President Trump, continues to shape the discourse. Harris's potential candidacy for governor or President will undoubtedly be influenced by these dynamics, as well as her standing within the Democratic Party.
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