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Pequeño Warns Democrats: Harris 2028 Bid Could Split Party

5/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Columnist Sara Pequeño warned Democrats against backing former Vice President Kamala Harris for a 2028 presidential run.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election to President Donald Trump, becoming the first Democrat to lose the popular vote since 2004.
Harris said she might run in 2028 but ruled out a California governor race, prompting Democrats to warn the bid could split the party.

History

Historical Context

George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election hinged on a 2.4% popular-vote edge—the narrowest for an incumbent—and Ohio’s 2.1% margin made it the tipping-point state. That close, swing-state battle exposed partisan fissures that resurfaced in 2024 when former Vice President Kamala Harris lost the popular vote to Donald Trump, sparking warnings of fragmented Democratic primaries.

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Story summary

Columnist Sara Pequeño warned Democrats against backing former Vice President Kamala Harris for a 2028 presidential run.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election to President Donald Trump, becoming the first Democrat to lose the popular vote since 2004.
Harris said she might run in 2028 but ruled out a California governor race, prompting Democrats to warn the bid could split the party.

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