Kamala Harris: Rising Above Defeat with Courage and Ambition

By Boncopia Staff Writer | May 17, 2025

Kamala Harris is back, and she’s not stepping quietly into the shadows. In a fiery speech in San Francisco on April 30, 2025, the former vice president delivered her first major public remarks since her 2024 presidential election loss to Donald Trump. With her characteristic blend of conviction and charisma, Harris took aim at Trump’s economic policies, particularly his tariffs, which she warned are “clearly inviting a recession.” But beyond the sharp critique, Harris hinted at a political comeback that has Democrats buzzing and her supporters cheering. As she weighs a run for California governor in 2026 or another presidential bid in 2028, Harris is proving that defeat doesn’t define her—it fuels her. Here’s why her next move could reshape the political landscape and why her resilience is an inspiration to us all.

A Bold Return to the Spotlight

Harris’ San Francisco speech wasn’t just a critique of Trump’s “reckless” tariffs or his administration’s chaotic first 100 days. It was a declaration of intent. “Courage is contagious,” she told a crowd of Democratic donors at the Emerge America gala, urging them to resist fear and fight for American ideals. The setting was symbolic—San Francisco, where Harris launched her political career as district attorney over two decades ago, felt like a homecoming. Her words carried the weight of experience and the spark of ambition, signaling she’s ready to reenter the political arena.

Since leaving office in January 2025, Harris has kept a relatively low profile, relocating to Los Angeles and reflecting on her next steps. But her recent appearances—supporting wildfire victims in Altadena, speaking at the Leading Women Defined Summit, and now this galvanizing speech—show she’s not done fighting. As she told supporters, “You haven’t seen the last of me.” Whether it’s the California governor’s mansion or another shot at the White House, Harris is keeping her options open, and her supporters are ready to rally behind her.

The Crossroads: Governor or President?

Harris faces a pivotal decision: run for California governor in 2026 or aim for the presidency in 2028. Each path offers unique opportunities and challenges, and her choice could redefine her legacy.

The Case for Governor
A gubernatorial run in California, where Harris served as attorney general and U.S. senator, feels like a natural fit. With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, the 2026 race is wide open, and Harris’ name recognition and political network give her a commanding edge. Polls suggest she’d be a frontrunner, potentially clearing the field of Democratic contenders like former Rep. Katie Porter and former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. Allies like California Attorney General Rob Bonta have already voiced support, noting her ability to “run a successful campaign” and address pressing state issues like housing, homelessness, and crime.

As governor, Harris could wield significant influence, leading the nation’s most populous state and the world’s fifth-largest economy. It would be a platform to push back against Trump’s policies and champion progressive values, from climate action to social justice. For Harris, who has deep roots in California, this could be a chance to reconnect with voters and tackle tangible challenges, proving her leadership on a state level.

The Case for 2028
On the other hand, a third presidential run in 2028 holds undeniable allure. Despite her 2024 loss, Harris remains a formidable figure in Democratic politics. A Puck News/Echelon Insights poll showed her leading potential 2028 contenders with 41% support, far ahead of names like Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, and Josh Shapiro. Her 107-day, $1.5 billion campaign in 2024, though unsuccessful, boosted her approval ratings and showcased her ability to energize the Democratic base. Supporters argue she was hamstrung by Biden’s late withdrawal and a compressed campaign timeline, and a full cycle could let her shine.

However, the 2028 Democratic primary promises to be fiercely competitive, with heavyweights like Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez eyeing the nomination. Some Democrats question whether Harris, at 60, can overcome the stigma of her 2024 defeat or appeal to a party hungry for new faces. Still, her resilience and fundraising prowess—her campaign’s valuable email list remains a political goldmine—make her a serious contender.

The Third Path
Harris hasn’t ruled out stepping away from elected office entirely. She could pen a memoir, lead a nonprofit, or take on a role that keeps her influential without the grind of campaigning. But for a woman who’s repeatedly said, “I’m staying in the fight,” sitting on the sidelines seems unlikely.

Why Harris’ Comeback Matters

Harris’ reemergence is more than a political maneuver—it’s a testament to resilience. After a bruising defeat to Trump, who won all seven battleground states and the popular vote by over 2.5 million, Harris could have retreated. Instead, she’s leaning in, using her platform to call out Trump’s tariffs, which have sparked market chaos and fears of a trade war, and his administration’s assaults on democratic norms. Her speech highlighted real-world impacts: rising costs for families, shrinking retirement accounts, and struggling businesses. By framing Trump’s policies as “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history,” she’s positioning herself as a voice of reason and resistance.

Her story resonates because it’s about bouncing back. Harris, the first woman, Black, and South Asian vice president, has faced setbacks before—her 2020 presidential bid ended early, yet she rose to the vice presidency. Her ability to pivot, reflect, and reengage inspires anyone who’s faced failure. As she told the San Francisco crowd, “Fear isn’t the only thing that’s contagious. Courage is contagious.” That message is a rallying cry for Democrats and a reminder that leadership means showing up, even when the odds feel stacked against you.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Governor’s Race: A Lay-Up with Stakes
Running for governor could be Harris’ easiest path to victory. Her statewide experience and donor network give her a head start, and many Democratic rivals have signaled they’d step aside if she enters. A POLITICO/UC Berkeley Citrin Center poll found California voters reacting with “joyful” or “excited” emotions to her potential candidacy, though some expressed “outrage” or “hopelessness,” reflecting her polarizing status. Political insiders, however, are more indifferent, suggesting Harris must work to reignite elite enthusiasm.

If she runs, Harris will inherit California’s daunting challenges: a housing crisis, homelessness, water shortages, and budget deficits. Critics, like those in a CalMatters opinion piece, question whether she’s up to the task, arguing her campaign focus on Trump ignores state-specific issues. Yet her experience as attorney general, tackling issues like criminal justice reform, and her national profile could equip her to lead effectively.

The 2028 Presidential Run: High Risk, High Reward
A presidential bid carries bigger risks. The Democratic field will be crowded, and some party members see Harris as tied to the Biden era, a potential liability. Senate Democrats, per The Hill, are skeptical but open to her running, with supporters like Sen. Richard Blumenthal praising her as “strikingly attractive and effective.” Her 2024 campaign’s late start hurt her, but a longer runway could let her refine her message and connect with voters. The challenge? Overcoming perceptions of being a “figure of the past” in a party eager for fresh leadership.

Navigating the Trump Era
Harris’ speech underscored her strategy: position herself as a counterweight to Trump. By slamming his tariffs and warning of a constitutional crisis, she’s tapping into Democratic anxieties about his administration’s overreach. Her focus on courage and resistance resonates with a base desperate for leadership. But she must balance this with a forward-looking vision, avoiding the trap of relitigating 2024, as her former aide Brian Brokaw noted.

Why We’re Cheering for Kamala

Kamala Harris’ journey is a reminder that setbacks are not the end—they’re a setup for a comeback. Her San Francisco speech was a masterclass in resilience, blending sharp policy critiques with an optimistic call to action. Whether she chooses Sacramento or the national stage, Harris is showing that defeat doesn’t define her. She’s listening to her supporters, weighing her options, and refusing to let Trump’s victory write her story’s end.

For women, people of color, and anyone who’s faced a glass ceiling, Harris’ persistence is a beacon. She’s not just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for the ideals of fairness, opportunity, and justice that define the best of America. Her decision, expected by late summer 2025, will shape not just her future but the Democratic Party’s trajectory. As she navigates this crossroads, one thing is clear: Kamala Harris is still in the fight, and she’s got plenty of fire left.

Thought Questions for Readers

1. What’s the Best Path Forward? Should Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026 or aim for the presidency in 2028? Why do you think one option suits her strengths better?

2. Can She Overcome 2024? Given her loss to Trump, how can Harris rebuild trust with voters and position herself as a fresh leader for the Democratic Party?

3. What Issues Matter Most? If Harris runs for governor, what California-specific challenges (e.g., housing, homelessness, budget deficits) should she prioritize, and how might her experience help?

4. Inspiring Resilience How does Harris’ comeback inspire you to face setbacks in your own life? What lessons can we learn from her approach to defeat?