President Joe Biden told Kamala Harris she’s “not going anywhere,” as the vice president reportedly mulls over her next move following her November election loss.
At the Democratic National Committee’s holiday reception in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Biden said: “It’s also been an incredible honor to serve with someone of immense character as she demonstrated throughout her entire career — Kamala Harris.”
“I knew what I was doing when I asked her to be my vice president,” he said. “She always served this country with purpose and integrity, and she always will. And you’re not going anywhere kid — because we’re not going to let you go.”
Harris, who became her party’s presidential nominee after Biden dropped out of the race in July, ran a truncated campaign in under four months and ultimately lost to Donald Trump. It’s unclear what she will do next, but some reports suggest that she is contemplating whether to run for governor of California in 2026 or to try to win the Democratic nomination for president in 2028.
Kamala Harris embraces Joe Biden prior to speaking during the Democratic National Committee’s Holiday Reception in Washington, D.C., December 15, 2024. He told her she’s “not going anywhere.”
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
The governor’s race would likely be an easy win for her, given her history of being elected in the state as attorney general and then senator. The next Democratic presidential primary, however, is likely to feature a competitive field.
Harris’ advisers are reportedly torn on what the best next move is, CNN recently reported. Politico reported that the vice president is currently keeping her options open and is expected to weigh up her choices over the holidays.
The vice president also delivered comments at Sunday’s DNC event. She thanked attendees for all of their support during her campaign and also encouraged everyone in her party to not feel discouraged by the election loss.
“When it mattered most, through the entire campaign, including those 107 days, you all rallied. You rallied. You opened your homes. You reached out to your friends and your family. You put your personal capital and by that I mean your relationships at stake to talk with people, because you care so deeply,” Harris said.
She concluded her speech with: “Let us always remember that our country is worth fighting for and our spirit will not be defeated. And I promise you, I will be with you every step of the way.”
Newsweek contacted Harris’s 2024 presidential election campaign for comment via email outside of normal working hours.
