Sen. Mark Kelly Says Kamala Harris Could Mount a “Strong” 2028 Presidential Campaign

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said Sunday that former Vice President Kamala Harris could run a “strong” campaign if she chooses to seek the presidency again in 2028, signaling that prominent Democrats still see Harris as a formidable figure within the party.

Appearing on Meet the Press, Kelly praised Harris’s experience and national profile, suggesting that she remains well-positioned to connect with voters despite her loss in the 2024 election.

“She’s got the experience, she’s got the relationships, and she’s learned a lot from her time as vice president,” Kelly said. “If she decides to run again, I think she could run a strong campaign.”

While Harris has not publicly indicated whether she plans to make another bid for the White House, speculation has been building among Democrats about the 2028 field. Party strategists expect a crowded primary that could feature governors, senators, and potentially former Cabinet officials eager to define the post-Biden era of Democratic politics.

Kelly, a moderate Democrat and former Navy pilot, has often emphasized unity and pragmatism within the party — and his remarks suggest that Harris continues to command respect among lawmakers who see her as both a historic and politically seasoned leader.

Harris’s tenure as vice president was marked by high-profile initiatives on voting rights, immigration, and reproductive freedom, as well as the political challenges of a polarized nation. Her 2024 campaign, though ultimately unsuccessful, helped shape debates around equity, climate, and democracy that continue to influence the party’s platform.

As the Democratic Party begins to look toward 2028, Kelly’s endorsement of Harris’s potential marks one of the earliest signals that her political future remains open — and that some in the party believe her story, and her influence, are far from over.