Kamala Harris Builds Progressive and Pro-Palestinian Support Ahead of 2028 Presidential Bid

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has been actively strengthening her ties with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and pro-Palestinian activists in recent months, a move seen as preparation for a potential 2028 presidential run, according to Axios. Last week, Harris spoke with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after candidates he supported won three congressional races, unseating two incumbents. They discussed the future of the Democratic Party and planned a longer follow-up conversation.

Harris has also held private meetings with prominent progressives, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and pro-Palestinian activists such as Abbas Alawiya, co-founder of the Uncommitted movement, which opposes former President Joe Biden’s Gaza war policies. Alawiya said Harris initiated their meeting after months of private talks, during which he emphasized that American taxpayer money should not fund harm to civilians or destruction of communities. He noted that people in his community recently lost family members in U.S.-backed Israeli strikes.

Additionally, Harris has engaged with James Zogby, a longtime Democratic National Committee member and leading U.S. advocate for Palestinian rights. Axios reports she is also consulting with senior Democrats and former advisors on issues like China, artificial intelligence, and Venezuela to broaden her support base ahead of a possible presidential campaign.

During the 2024 election cycle, many progressives were disappointed that Harris did not clearly distance herself from Biden’s pro-Israel stance. However, in her 2025 book "107 Days," she revealed privately urging Biden to show greater empathy for Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza, describing his public statements as "insufficient and forced." Despite these outreach efforts, some pro-Palestinian activists remain skeptical of her sincerity. Palestinian-American strategist Rania Batris expressed doubt, saying, "If the change is real, she has a chance to prove it. Until then, skepticism is justified."

Early polls still position Harris as a leading contender in the 2028 Democratic primaries, but she is expected to face criticism from progressives and doubts from party leaders and donors about her electability in the general election.