Former Vice President Kamala Harris is brushing off calls from red-state Democrats asking her to stay away from their races ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Harris spoke on MS Now’s State of Play with host Peter Alexander, initially joining to discuss journalist and feminist activist Gloria Steinem, who died Wednesday at age 92.
Alexander pivoted at the end of the interview to confront Harris about Politico reporting that red-and-purple-state Democrats are actively distancing themselves from her.
The reporting reflects ongoing concerns that Harris remains a political liability in rural parts of the country where the Democratic Party brand has struggled badly.
“Bottom line: We need to win,” Harris said, explaining her position on candidates who want space from her in their campaigns.
“I have run locally. I’ve run for statewide office, and obviously nationally, and these candidates know what they need to do to win,” she continued.
“So, I support them in doing whatever they need to do to win,” Harris added, signaling she harbors no hard feelings toward candidates keeping distance.
Adam Hamilton, Kansas’ Democratic Senate nominee, and Rebecca Cooke, running to unseat GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden in western Wisconsin, both told Politico they are not seeking Harris’ support.
Eduardo Negrón, a spokesperson for Harris, had previously responded to the Politico report with a notably relaxed statement, saying simply, “It’s all good.”
Harris also used the interview to signal her broader ambitions for the midterm cycle, voicing clear opposition to the current administration.
“I look forward to being on the trail and helping folks where I can be helpful, but we have got to put a check on this lawless administration and deliver what Americans need and deserve,” she said.
The former vice president has been gradually increasing her midterm involvement after a quiet stretch following her 2024 presidential defeat.
She recently backed Rep. Chris Pappas in his New Hampshire Senate bid, along with endorsing a handful of House candidates across the country.
Her careful approach reflects a broader strategic tension inside the Democratic Party over which national figures can help versus hurt vulnerable candidates in competitive districts.
