PoliticsKamala Harris Responds to Democrats in Red States Not Wanting Her Endorsement: 'I Would Expect Nothing Less'
Kamala Harris expressed support for red-state Democrats who are distancing themselves from her, emphasizing the 'need to win.'
Sept. 4 2026, Published 3:48 p.m. ET
Former Vice President Kamala Harris addressed red-state Democrats who are distancing themselves from her, stating on Thursday, September 3, that she is not surprised by their strategic decisions.
During an interview on MS NOW's State of Play with host Peter Alexander, Harris emphasized pragmatism ahead of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, stating, "We need to win, OK? Bottom line, we need to win." Drawing on her own background running in local, statewide and national races, she remarked that candidates know their districts best, adding, "I would expect nothing less."
As Democrats campaign to gain control of Congress during the final two years of President Donald Trump's term, several candidates in conservative or swing areas have explicitly declined Harris' trail presence.
'We Need Some New Leadership'
Kamala Harris wasn't surprised that Democrats running in the midterms don't want her endorsement.
Iowa State Rep. Josh Turek, running for the U.S. Senate, and Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, running for governor, both stated they do not want Harris to campaign for them.
“No thanks,” Sand told Politico of Harris’ endorsement. “Let’s move on. We need some new leadership.”
When Politico asked him whether the former vice president should seek the Democratic nomination again, Sand replied, “Nope.”
Other Democratic politicians, such Sen. Jon Ossoff, were happy to have the former VP's support.
Former Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola’s Democratic campaign rejected fundraising assistance after a political action committee linked to Harris sent out solicitations on her behalf.
Candidates in Kansas and Wisconsin have similarly expressed a preference for Harris to keep her distance.
While facing pushback in red states, Harris noted that she remains eager to campaign where she can be helpful. Other prominent Democrats, including Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, have welcomed her support.
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Will Kamala Harris Run for President Again?
Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election to Donald Trump.
Though Harris remains a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, recent August 2026 polling analysis from Sabato's Crystal Ball highlights her struggles in state-level surveys, including a sixth-place finish in New Hampshire.
When pressed on her 2028 prospects during the interview, Harris maintained that her immediate focus is on securing victories in the 2026 midterms, though she said she was considering a run.
“I’m thinking about it,” Harris told Rev. Al Sharpton at the National Action Network’s annual convention in April.
Kamala Harris said she's 'thinking about' running in the 2028 election.
Despite the pushback, across most multi-candidate fields, Harris captures approximately 25 percent to 33 percent of the primary electorate, leaving her roughly 10 to 15 percentage points ahead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In narrowed scenarios, the race tightens significantly. For example, a ranked-choice simulation conducted by Lake Research Partners in May 2026 showed Harris leading Newsom by just a 52 percent to 48 percent margin.
