California donors turn cold on Kamala Harris’ gubernatorial hopes

Is Kamala Harris’s political star dimming in her home state of California? The former vice president, once a darling of the Democratic Party establishment, is hitting a wall of skepticism as she floats the idea of a gubernatorial run, with deep-pocketed donors expressing frustration over her recent track record, as the Daily Wire reports. It’s a stark reminder that political capital can evaporate faster than a San Francisco fog.

As Harris tests the waters for a potential bid to lead California, she’s finding the donor class less than thrilled, with many still stinging from her role in the Democrats’ loss to Donald Trump in the recent presidential race.

This chilly reception began surfacing in recent weeks as Harris ramped up outreach to trusted supporters, hoping to gauge interest in a gubernatorial campaign. Yet, the enthusiasm that once surrounded her seems to have faded, replaced by bitterness over past political missteps. Turns out, loyalty in politics is often as fleeting as a trending hashtag.

Donor discontent clouds Harris’ plans

During a visit to headline a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in the Bay Area in early June, Harris held several private meetings in supporters’ homes. These gatherings, billed as casual social events, carried a clear undercurrent of political strategizing about her next move. But the whispers in those rooms weren’t all cheers and applause.

“Kamala just reminds you we are in this complete s*** storm,” grumbled an unidentified California Democrat donor who previously shelled out six figures for Harris’s presidential campaign. Well, that’s one way to say the honeymoon is over — nothing like a donor scorned to remind a politician that actions, or inactions, carry weight.

The same donor didn’t hold back, adding, “I’m furious at them, truly.” It’s a sentiment echoing through California’s Democratic circles, where frustration over national losses has soured even the most loyal backers on Harris’s ambitions. When your own team starts airing dirty laundry, it’s a sign the road ahead won’t be smooth.

Accusations of cover-up haunt Harris

Adding fuel to the fire, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, now a Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, has publicly questioned Harris’s integrity. “Voters deserve to know the truth, what did Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra know, when did they know it, and most importantly, why didn’t either of them speak out?” he demanded. That’s a pointed jab, suggesting Harris may have played a role in concealing critical information about President Biden’s condition — a charge she has yet to address.

Villaraigosa’s critique doesn’t stand alone; it’s a growing murmur among those who feel the Democratic Party’s missteps have cost them dearly. If Harris hopes to rebuild trust, she’ll need more than charm — she’ll need answers. Ignoring such accusations is like ignoring a pothole; sooner or later, it’s going to trip you up.

Meanwhile, Xavier Becerra, Biden’s Secretary of Health and Human Services and another contender for governor, is also in the mix, complicating Harris’s path. With rivals circling and her reputation bruised, Harris faces an uphill battle for the nomination. It’s almost as if the universe is saying, “Not so fast.”

Donor advisers see little enthusiasm

Scott Drexel, a Bay Area-based donor adviser, put it bluntly: “It’s very fair to say there’s not an overwhelming clamor for a Harris gubernatorial bid.” That’s hardly the ringing endorsement one hopes for when eyeing a major office. If the money isn’t exciting, can the votes be far behind?

Drexel added, “She’s going to have to work for the nomination.” The sense of inevitability that once surrounded Harris has eroded, and every passing day seems to chip away at her presumed frontrunner status. It’s a humbling lesson in how quickly political tides can turn.

Even Harris’s longtime supporters acknowledge the challenges, with Todd Hawkins, a bundler from her days as California attorney general, noting, “She can win … but they also don’t want her to find herself in a spot of vulnerability.” The specter of a centrist challenger like Rick Caruso, a billionaire developer and former L.A. mayoral candidate with a history of party-switching, looms large. Caruso, who ran as a Democrat in 2022 and lost to Karen Bass, could muddy the waters if he enters the race.

Competition, hesitation define path

Republican candidates, sensing blood in the water, are reportedly eager to face Harris in a gubernatorial contest, viewing her damaged reputation as an opportunity. With her political baggage weighing heavily, Harris has set a late-summer deadline to decide whether to jump into the race. It’s a decision that could define her future—or end it.

Beyond the governorship, Harris is also weighing other paths, such as a potential presidential run in 2028 or stepping away from elected office to launch a philanthropic venture. It’s a pragmatic move, perhaps, to keep options open when the welcome mat in California isn’t exactly rolled out. Sometimes, knowing when to pivot is the smartest play.

An anonymous Southern California fundraiser summed up the mood: “Donors realize it’s just going to bring up the whole pathetic last presidential.” The reluctance to relive past failures, coupled with lingering questions about her judgment, casts a long shadow over Harris’s ambitions. In politics, as in life, baggage doesn’t unpack itself — and Harris has a suitcase full to reckon with.