Kamala Harris' much-hyped political rebound may be collapsing before it even takes shape—and it’s not conservatives blocking her path this time. It's her own party signaling they’ve had enough.

After her embarrassing defeat in the 2024 presidential race, Harris has been quietly eyeing a return to power via California’s soon-to-be open governorship. But according to a revealing New York Times report published Sunday, even that may be slipping away as top Democrats in her home state express growing unease.

“As Democrats nationally grapple with how to rebound from last year’s presidential and congressional losses, the possibility of Ms. Harris entering the governor’s race has prompted some trepidation for party members in California,” the Times wrote.

Translation: even Democrats are worried Harris is political dead weight.

Harris has done little to endear herself to voters since her vice presidency ended in November. Instead of showing up to a recent party convention in Anaheim—where Democratic delegates gathered to discuss the future—Harris merely phoned it in. Literally. Her absence only underscored what many perceive as her chronic disconnection from everyday Americans and working-class voters.

“I don’t think she should get into the campaign for governor,” one San Diego delegate told the Times. “The working class would say, ‘Oh there she is again, she has the support of the elites.’”

That sentiment, echoed across the state, cuts deep for a politician once touted as the Democratic Party’s rising star. Even former allies are questioning her sincerity.

“I do support her and think that she’s great, but right now I have more questions than answers,” admitted a Santa Cruz delegate, hinting at the confusion swirling around Harris’ priorities.

To make matters worse, even her longtime friend, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis—widely expected to run for governor—may abandon her bid if Harris enters the race. But not everyone in Harris’ party is playing nice.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, another Democrat eyeing the governor’s mansion, took direct aim at Harris for her silence during former President Joe Biden’s obvious health collapse in 2024. “What did Kamala Harris and [Biden’s health and human services secretary] Xavier Becerra know, when did they know it, and most importantly, why didn’t either of them speak out?” he asked pointedly.

The answer to that question may determine whether Harris has any political capital left.

Meanwhile, Democratic operatives in key states have grown weary of Harris' excuses and political floundering. One delegate from Orange County slammed her presidential campaign, saying bluntly: “It just feels like they didn’t have a good game plan.”

Though Harris hasn’t officially declared her candidacy for governor, reports from outlets like Politico suggest she’s giving herself until the end of the summer to decide. Some within her party see the gubernatorial path as little more than a soft landing after her national aspirations crashed and burned.

But even that consolation prize may be out of reach. “We haven’t really heard from her on California issues since Trump’s inauguration,” said Shasta County delegate Madison Zimmerman. “I feel like California isn’t a consolation prize.”

For Democrats hoping to rebound in 2026, Harris may be less of a leader and more of a lingering liability. And for conservatives, her stalling comeback is one more example of what happens when style is chosen over substance—and when radical policies collide with reality.