By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-16 18:13:20 | Updated at 2026-09-16 18:52:05
40 minutes ago
One of Kamala Harris’ biggest Democratic backers in 2024 is suggesting that the two-time presidential contender should pack it in, as speculation swirls about the possibility of the former veep making another run at the White House.
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, a Democratic megadonor who gave $17 million to Harris’ failed presidential campaign in 2024, was asked at Politico’s Decoded Summit in Washington, D.C. Wednesday whether the California Dem should run again in 2028.
He responded with an awkward chuckle.
“Yeah, because that’s the thing you want to ask the tech guy about AI,” Hoffman responded, before throwing cold water on the possibility of Harris mounting another bid.
“I think it would be a very challenging path for her and it’s going to be a very noisy field,” Hoffman continued.
The tech heavyweight went on to praise Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as “much more pragmatic” than people realize when asked if he’d support the lefty Bronx rep. However, he said his backing would depend on whom she ran against.
Harris hasn’t said whether she intends to run again, but plans to travel to support Democratic candidates in the lead-up to November’s midterm election.
The former veep’s political future was thrust into the limelight again this week when Gov. Gavin Newsom told CNN that he would bow out of the presidential race if she decided to run.
“I wouldn’t do that to her … I wouldn’t waste anyone’s time. Who needs that?” Newsom mused, calling the prospect of both California Dems running “mutually assured destruction.”
A source with knowledge of Harris’ political operations didn’t say whether she plans to run, but suggested that donor support remains a question mark.
“Political circles are talking about how the presidential primary calendar is in her favor,” the source told The Post this week, referencing South Carolina and Nevada as key primary states.
“Whether or not donors would support her running again, though? Those are all factors to consider.”
Early polling shows Harris, who also ran for president in 2020 before being selected as President Joe Biden’s running mate, leading the pack in many surveys.
However, dark horse candidates such as Ocasio-Cortez, Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have gained traction in prediction markets in recent weeks.
For his part, Newsom has claimed he’s still deciding whether to run for president and will reveal his plans sometime after the midterms.
