Dem Donors Abandon Harris as California Bid Backfires: “We’re Living in a Nightmare Because of the Democrats”
Top Democratic donors are reportedly jumping ship as Kamala Harris floats a political comeback—this time with eyes on the California governor’s mansion. But according to a revealing Politico exposé, the enthusiasm that once surrounded Harris is rapidly unraveling.
Following her resounding electoral defeat in November, Harris and her inner circle began crafting her political resurrection. Their strategy? Leverage her campaign's fundraising muscle—boosted after Joe Biden’s abrupt exit from the race—and pivot toward a 2026 gubernatorial bid or a 2028 presidential run. But donors aren’t buying it.
“There was more enthusiasm at first,” said Mather Martin, a San Francisco-based fundraiser who has previously worked on Harris campaigns. “I think it waned a bit.”
According to Politico, Harris’ team has grown increasingly downbeat as major Democratic donors express frustration—not just with her—but with the broader failures of the Biden-Harris ticket. A particularly damning quote from one donor crystallized the mood:
“Kamala just reminds you we are in this complete shit storm. With Biden, we got bamboozled … I think she did the best she could in that situation, but she knew about the cognitive decline too.”
The backlash doesn’t stop there. Donors are enraged over what they describe as a coordinated cover-up of President Biden’s mental decline. Questions are now being raised about Harris’ role in propping up a failing candidacy for political convenience.
“I’ve written so many checks because I knew the Trump administration would be horrible, but we’re living in a nightmare because of the Democrats. I’m furious at them, truly,” said another donor.
Even Harris’ most loyal benefactors are losing confidence. As one longtime contributor told Politico, the idea of Harris running again brings back memories of “the whole pathetic last presidential,” a race many on the Left would prefer to forget.
“She still would probably lead, but honestly, no one is incredibly pumped,” one California donor admitted.
Despite the mounting disillusionment, Harris is reportedly pressing ahead. She’s begun a quiet “listening tour” with California political operatives and powerbrokers, trying to assess whether the appetite exists for her to take the reins in Sacramento. Aides say she’ll take a vacation in July to “decompress” before making any final decisions.
Though a second White House bid hasn’t been ruled out, her path remains fraught. Harris leads or narrowly trails figures like Pete Buttigieg in hypothetical matchups, and only retains a stronghold among Black voters—a demographic crucial to early primaries, particularly in South Carolina.
But Harris has already stepped back into the national spotlight with controversial comments aimed at President Donald Trump. After the President ordered the California National Guard to protect federal buildings and immigration agents amid violent riots, Harris lashed out.
“Los Angeles is my home. And like so many Americans, I am appalled at what we are witnessing on the streets of our city,” Harris said. “Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos.
In addition to the recent ICE raids in Southern California and across our nation, it is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division,” she continued.
Her tone-deaf attempt to defend violent agitators fell flat. Despite Harris’ “mostly peaceful” framing, the reality included burned shops, looted businesses, injured ICE personnel, and torched Border Patrol vehicles across downtown Los Angeles.
With public confidence shaken and donors defecting, Kamala Harris' next move could determine whether the Democratic Party chooses to forget her altogether—or double down on a losing bet.