Harris Fuels 2028 Speculation with South Carolina Stops

Former VP visits key primary state, leaving door open to another presidential run.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty podium in a political auditorium, with warm light and deep shadows creating a sense of anticipation and nostalgia.The former vice president's return to the political stage sparks speculation about her national ambitions.Columbia Today

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is sparking speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run with stops this week in South Carolina, a crucial early voting state in the Democratic primary. Harris, who lost the 2024 election to President Donald Trump, has been stepping back into the political spotlight in recent months, including a nationwide book tour and fundraising appearances for state Democratic parties.

Why it matters

South Carolina is a key early voting state in the Democratic primary, and visits by potential presidential contenders generate significant buzz about their national ambitions. As the first female and Black vice president, Harris would be considered an early frontrunner if she decides to run again in 2028, in what is expected to be a crowded and competitive race for the Democratic nomination.

The details

Harris is in Columbia, South Carolina, on Thursday after making stops Wednesday in Greenville. Her southern swing also includes fundraising appearances for the state Democratic Parties in Georgia and North Carolina, two crucial general election battlegrounds that Harris narrowly lost to Trump in 2024. Harris' decision last summer to pass on launching a 2026 gubernatorial campaign in her home state of California was seen as clearing the runway for a 2028 presidential bid.

  • Harris made stops in Greenville, South Carolina on Wednesday.
  • Harris is in Columbia, South Carolina on Thursday.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States and a potential 2028 presidential contender.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who defeated Harris in the 2024 election.

Joe Biden

The former President of the United States, who Harris replaced as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee.

Al Sharpton

The founder of the National Action Network, an influential civil rights organization that hosted a gathering of potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders.

Kiersten Pels

The national press secretary for the Republican National Committee.

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What they’re saying

“I might. I might. I'm thinking about it… I'll keep you posted.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

“Democrats are kicking off the 2028 primary by parading Kamala Harris and a roster of failed governors trying to outrun their own records.”

— Kiersten Pels, RNC National Press Secretary

What’s next

If Harris does decide to run for president again in 2028, she would be considered an early frontrunner in what is expected to be a crowded and competitive race for the Democratic nomination.

The takeaway

Harris' visits to the key primary state of South Carolina, combined with her recent comments about a potential 2028 run, have fueled speculation about her national ambitions and the future of the Democratic party. Her ability to generate enthusiasm among Black voters, a crucial Democratic constituency, could make her a formidable candidate if she chooses to run again.