Former Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing to deliver a high-profile speech Wednesday in which she will sharply criticize President Donald Trump, as speculation grows about her political future — including whether she will seek the presidency again or make a run for California governor.
Harris is set to speak at the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, a group dedicated to recruiting and training Democratic women to run for office. The organization traces some of its roots back to Harris’ early political rise, starting with her campaign for San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s.
Her speech is expected to mark her most detailed public commentary since leaving office in January following her loss to Trump in the 2024 presidential election. It comes just one day after Trump reached his 100th day back in office. Harris is expected to criticize his handling of the economy, foreign affairs, and core U.S. institutions.
As Democrats navigate their path forward after losing both the White House and control of Congress in November, Harris is reemerging as a prominent figure within the party. Her next political move is being closely watched. Whether she decides to enter California’s 2026 gubernatorial race — with Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited — or makes another run for president, Harris would likely shift the dynamic of any contest she joins.
A former U.S. senator and state attorney general, Harris has not ruled out either possibility. In the meantime, she continues to fundraise aggressively. The Harris Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee tied to Harris for President, the Democratic National Committee, and various state parties, held approximately $4.5 million in cash as of the end of March, according to federal filings.
Harris has been using recent fundraising appeals to emphasize the urgency of Democratic unity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, often invoking opposition to both Trump and other influential figures like Elon Musk. “There has never been a more important time for a strong Democratic Party — one that is willing to stand up to Donald Trump, Elon Musk and what they are doing to this country,” Harris wrote in one message.
Her appearance at the Emerge America event also serves as something of a homecoming. Although she now resides in Los Angeles, Harris is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area — where her political career first began.
