Former Vice President Kamala Harris said Democratic candidates know they must do “whatever” it takes to win in November — even if that means asking the 2024 presidential nominee to stay away from their campaigns.
During an interview with MS NOW’s Peter Alexander on Thursday, Harris responded to a report from Politico that several Democratic candidates have asked her to “keep her distance” ahead of the midterms.
“Bottom line, we need to win,” Harris said. “I have run locally, I’ve run for statewide office and obviously nationally, and these candidates know what they need to do to win. And I would expect nothing less.”
“I support them in doing whatever they need to do to win,” she added.
Go to the 4:23 mark to watch Harris’ response below:
Despite being one of the Democratic Party’s leading figures and its last presidential nominee, Harris’ brand has been seen by some as toxic, as candidates across the country attempt to distance themselves from the party’s establishment, especially in conservative-leaning states.
In Iowa, state Rep. Josh Turek, the Democratic Senate nominee, along with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand have publicly rejected Harris’ help. Last month, former Rep. Mary Peltola, who is competing for a U.S. Senate seat in Alaska, sought to distance herself from Harris after the former vice president sent a fundraising email from her Fight for the People PAC. “If there’s anyone who can flip Alaska and secure the Senate majority for Democrats — it’s Mary,” it read.
Republicans soon piled on Peltola, tying her to Harris, who lost Alaska by 14 points in 2024. In response, the Peltola campaign told The New York Times that it had no knowledge of the email and had not approved it before it was sent out.
But not all Democrats are rejecting Harris’ support. In Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff has embraced her endorsement. The former vice president has recorded video calls for the senator and led fundraising efforts.
Harris told MS NOW she looks “forward to being on the trail and helping folks” where she can and emphasized what she believes is at stake in November. “We have got to put a check on this lawless administration and deliver what Americans need and deserve: lower cost, affordable healthcare, affordable childcare — you name it,” she said.
Alexander also asked Harris about her presidential ambitions and whether she would be on the campaign trail for herself in four years. She responded: “’28 doesn’t matter if we don’t win ’26.”
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