Key facts
- Reid Hoffman expressed doubt about Kamala Harris' chances in a 2028 presidential election.
- Hoffman suggested Harris would face a challenging path in a crowded field.
- Hoffman indicated he might support Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- Some of Harris' top 2024 donors are hesitant to fund a future presidential campaign.
- Gavin Newsom stated he would not run in 2028 if Harris were to enter the race.
- Recent polls show Harris leading the Democratic field for 2028.
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman has expressed skepticism about former Vice President Kamala Harris' potential to win the 2028 presidential election, citing a challenging path and a potentially crowded field. Hoffman's comments came during POLITICO’s Decoded Summit in Washington D.C.
Hoffman also indicated a willingness to consider supporting Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) for president, noting that she is "much more pragmatic than people give her credit for."
This sentiment echoes concerns among some of Harris' major 2024 campaign donors, according to the Los Angeles Times. Several top backers of a pro-Harris super PAC in 2024 stated they do not plan to fund her if she runs again, with one fundraiser anonymously noting an "enormous appetite for new blood."
Despite this donor hesitancy and internal party chatter about needing "fresh" leadership, recent polling suggests Harris remains a strong contender within the Democratic party. An April Harvard Center for American Political Studies/Harris Poll showed her leading the Democratic field with 50% support. Similarly, Emerson College polling indicates Harris in a close hypothetical matchup against Vice President JD Vance, with 49% support.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly stated he would not run for president in 2028 if Harris were to enter the race, citing a desire to avoid a divisive primary fight. Newsom's comments were made in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper.