Former Vice President Kamala Harris has sought counsel from Hillary Clinton following her 2024 presidential election loss to Donald Trump, continuing a relationship that deepened over years of shared political experiences and parallel challenges.
Harris, who made history as the first woman and person of color to serve as Vice President, has had multiple conversations with Mrs. Clinton, who faced a similar situation after her 2016 defeat. “Our work is not done,” Harris stated, adding that she will not “go quietly into the night.”
Their connection began during Harris’ tenure as District Attorney in San Francisco, with Clinton playing an increasingly significant mentoring role as Harris advanced in her political career. Recognizing Harris’ potential early, Clinton highlighted her unique combination of intellect and empathy, qualities rarely found together in politics.
Over several years, Clinton served as a behind-the-scenes ally, hosting strategic dinners at her home to introduce Harris to key Democratic figures and trusted advisers. These private gatherings became crucial strategy sessions where the two women discussed everything from policy positions to campaign tactics.
When Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection, Harris called Clinton directly to inform her of her decision to run. Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, were among the first senior Democrats to endorse Harris’ candidacy, rushing out their support before many other party leaders. Clinton saw Harris’ potential victory as a “karmic twofer” – not only a defeat for Donald Trump but a historic achievement for women in politics.
Throughout the campaign, Clinton described Harris as incredibly talented, with strong values, steadiness, and a deep understanding of leadership. She also highlighted Harris’ collegial and funny personality, noting that the public was starting to become familiar with this side of her. Clinton fully committed to helping Harris get elected, pledging to offer any advice or assistance needed for her success.
Both women shared similar campaign experiences, facing underestimation as female candidates. Clinton passed on specific debate advice to Harris, drawing from her experiences in 2016. She emphasized the need to “push back hard and try to bait him.”
During the campaign, Clinton hosted a series of high-profile fundraisers for Harris, leveraging her extensive donor network. She also served as an unofficial surrogate, appearing at key campaign events and helping Harris connect with crucial voting blocs that had supported Clinton in previous elections.
Harris has established an LLC named “Pioneer49,” labeled after her Secret Service codename and her position as the 49th vice president, suggesting potential future political ambitions. Sources indicate she is considering running for California governor in 2026 or making another presidential bid in 2028. The formation of this LLC mirrors Clinton’s own post-2016 organizational structure, which she used to maintain her political network.
The connection between the two leaders extends to their staff, as Harris’ sister Maya previously served as a senior policy adviser to Clinton and chaired Harris’ unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign. This staffing overlap helped strengthen their political alliance and created a shared network of experienced campaign operatives.
Clinton chose an academic path after her 2016 loss, accepting a position as a professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. However, she maintained an active role in Democratic politics, speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where she symbolically “passed the torch” to Harris in what she called “a long relay race.” During her convention speech, Clinton emphasized Harris’ candidacy’s historic nature while acknowledging women’s ongoing political challenges.
Both women share the distinction of being their party’s first female presidential nominees, with Clinton winning the popular vote in 2016 but losing the Electoral College and Harris serving as the first female Vice President before her 2024 defeat. Their relationship represents a significant chapter in the ongoing story of women in American politics, with Clinton’s groundbreaking 2016 campaign helping to pave the way for Harris’ historic vice presidency and subsequent presidential bid.
