Former Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be laying the groundwork for a third presidential campaign, taking steps to maintain her political influence and build support among Democrats as speculation grows over who will compete for the party’s 2028 nomination.

Harris has held conversations with major donors, hired staff and traveled to battleground states to campaign for Democratic candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report. While she has not formally announced another run, her activity has fueled speculation that she is preparing to seek the presidency again after losing to President Donald Trump in 2024.

Harris has publicly left the door open to another campaign. At an April appearance at the National Action Network convention in New York, she said she was considering another run after being asked directly whether she planned to run for president again. Last month, she reiterated that she had not made a decision, telling an NAACP audience in Michigan, “I have not decided if I'm going to run again.”

For now, Harris has emphasized the importance of the 2026 elections, as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress and win gubernatorial races. Her work on behalf of Democratic candidates also gives her opportunities to reconnect with party activists and key voting groups ahead of the next presidential primary cycle.

Harris nevertheless faces questions about whether Democrats want to nominate her again after her 2024 defeat. Some donors reportedly consider another campaign a long shot, while former aides and other Democratic figures have expressed doubts about whether she will ultimately enter the race. Her supporters, meanwhile, point to her national profile, experience as vice president, and continued backing among important Democratic constituencies.

The potential field is already taking shape, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other prominent Democrats also weighing possible campaigns. Newsom said in September that he would not run if Harris entered the race, arguing that a contest between two Californians would benefit other candidates.

Harris has also reached out to progressive figures, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and pro-Palestinian activists, in conversations about the Democratic Party’s future. Those efforts could help her strengthen relationships with parts of the party’s left wing, though some progressives remain skeptical of her record and past positions.

Harris has not committed to a third presidential campaign. But her fundraising conversations, political appearances and outreach to Democratic constituencies suggest she is keeping the option open as the party begins looking beyond the midterms toward 2028.