Rob Sand, Iowa's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said in an interview released Wednesday that former Vice President Kamala Harris should not run for president in 2028. When asked by Politico's Jonathan Martin whether Harris should seek the Democratic nomination again, Sand replied with a simple "Nope." The comment places Sand among a small but growing number of Democrats publicly questioning whether Harris should mount another presidential bid.
Sand is running to become Iowa's governor after serving as the state's current Democratic attorney general. He brushed off follow-up questions about Harris during the interview, according to Politico reporting. His position reflects a view held by some Democrats who argue that the party needs a fresh candidate in 2028 after Harris ran unsuccessful campaigns for the presidential nomination previously.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats have offered mixed reactions to Sand's comments. Some agree with his assessment, arguing that Harris carries significant political baggage from her time as vice president and would face an uphill battle in a competitive primary. They point to polling showing Harris struggling to gain traction with key Democratic constituencies in hypothetical matchups.
Other Democrats have cautioned against dismissing Harris so early. Supporters note her historic role as the first woman and first person of color to serve as vice president, arguing she brings invaluable experience and name recognition. Some progressive activists argue that questioning Harris's viability now is premature before any formal campaign begins. A spokesperson for Harris did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sand's remarks.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have seized on Sand's comments as evidence of Democratic infighting over the party's future direction. The GOP has already begun positioning itself for a potential 2028 race by highlighting divisions within the Democratic Party about its leadership and vision. National Republican Committee communications staff shared Sand's remarks widely, framing them as proof that even members of his own party doubt Harris's electability.
Conservative commentators have argued that Sand's blunt assessment reflects broader concerns among mainstream Democrats who worry Harris cannot win back voters lost during the current administration. They note that Iowa, which holds first-in-the-nation caucuses, has historically been a bellwether for Democratic presidential prospects. The Republican National Committee declined to comment beyond sharing Sand's interview on social media.
What the Numbers Show
Harris served as vice president from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden and previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 before dropping out before the Iowa caucuses. She was inaugurated as vice president in January 2021, making her the highest-ranking woman in U.S. history to hold a constitutional office.
Sand won his party's gubernatorial nomination in Iowa's June primary. He has served two terms as state attorney general since 2019, making him one of the most prominent Democrats in a traditionally Republican-leaning state. National Democratic groups have listed the Iowa governor's race as competitive but have not made it a top-tier priority for the current election cycle.
The Bottom Line
Sand's comments mark an early but notable break from Harris by a sitting Democrat holding statewide office. While 2028 remains years away, the remarks signal that some in the party are already thinking critically about who can best compete for the presidential nomination. Harris has not publicly announced any plans to run again, and her political future will likely depend on factors including the outcome of upcoming elections, her own preferences, and the broader direction of the Democratic Party. What happens next: Watch for other Democrats to either echo or reject Sand's assessment as the party begins discussing its post-2026 electoral strategy.