New York Times: What is next for Kamala Harris?

After losing the presidential race to Republican candidate Donald Trump, Kamala Harris has 74 days to leave office and return to being a private citizen for the first time since she was elected San Francisco district attorney in 2003.

Her friends, aides and political allies revealed in the hours after her loss that it was too early to even think, let alone plan, for the next phase of her life, except to say that she had plenty of options.

According to a report published by the New York Times, Harris has six options for her future after assuming the position of vice president:

1- Run again in 2028

There’s no reason to believe Democrats are eager to install Harris as their nominee in 2028, especially given how easily Trump could win the Electoral College.

She secured the 2024 nomination in part because President Biden dropped out of the race too soon before the party held a proper primary.

Harris has access to the party’s largest donor network, and could count on voter remorse nationwide if Trump’s second term is as chaotic and destructive as she has predicted.

2- Running for a lower position

Meanwhile, returning to the Senate is a theoretical option, but unlikely.

Next year, California will have two senators in their first full terms who are unlikely to step down anytime soon.

California will also have an open race for governor in 2026.

However, Harris may be reluctant to campaign against other Democrats like Kounalakis, who is already running.

3- Join the private sector

Harris also has plenty of people with money and businesses in Washington and California who would be happy to take them on as clients if she chose to join a law firm or lobbying group.

4- Join a think tank

During Republican administrations, the Center for American Progress in Washington became a holding area for future Democratic administration members and potential candidates.

But joining an established think tank may be a very small step for someone like Harris who was about to sit in the Oval Office.

5- Writing a book

Harris’s openness about her feelings is likely indirectly proportional to her interest in seeking public office again.

But there will be enormous public interest in what she really thought about serving with an aging president and losing an election to a man she described as a fascist threat to democracy.

6- Convalescence period

Meanwhile, the only evidence of Harris’ post-election plans is her apparent desire to spend more time alone and do what she loves, especially eating her favorite delicious food.

Or take a walk in Rock Creek Park in Washington to relieve post-election stress on foot.