Iowa Democrats Dodge Kamala Harris as She Tries to Flex Midterm Muscle

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is working to keep her national political brand alive ahead of the 2026 midterms, but a growing number of Democratic candidates are making one thing clear: they would rather campaign without her. That includes two prominent Democrats right here in Iowa.

Harris has tried to step up her involvement in competitive races as she weighs another presidential run in 2028. But Democrats running in some of the very states where the party hopes to expand have publicly rejected or distanced themselves from her. The list includes candidates in Iowa, Alaska, and Kansas, along with states Harris's own team has flagged as targets for her help.

What Iowa Democrats Said About Kamala Harris

In Iowa, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand told Politico he does not want Harris campaigning for him. His message was blunt.

“Let's move on. We need some new leadership,” Sand said.

Senate nominee Josh Turek was even more direct when asked whether he wanted Harris to campaign for him.

“No,” Turek said before laughing.

The rejection from Iowa Democrats signals a broader problem for Harris within her own party. Even in states where Democrats are trying to gain ground, her presence is seen as more of a liability than an asset.

Other Democrats Across the Country Push Back

The pattern extends well beyond Iowa. In Kansas, Democratic Senate nominee Adam Hamilton told Politico his campaign is focused on appealing to Republicans and running a Kansas-centered campaign. He said GOP voters in the state may have a different worldview from Harris.

“Having somebody from California come in and try to tell Kansans who they should vote for is a pretty bad idea,” Hamilton said.

Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola also pushed back after Harris's political operation sent a fundraising appeal on her behalf. Peltola's campaign said she “isn't seeking endorsements from anyone from the Lower 48” and emphasized her focus on Alaska.

The distancing is not limited to red-leaning states. According to The New York Times, Harris aides circulated a donor document identifying Democratic candidates in states including Texas and Arizona as potential beneficiaries of her midterm travel and fundraising. But aides to Texas Senate nominee James Talarico, Texas gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa, and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs told the Times they do not want Harris to campaign with them.

Harris Responds to the Snubs

Harris has acknowledged the awkward situation publicly.

“I support them in doing whatever they need to do to win,” she said in an interview with MS NOW earlier this month when asked about Democrats who rejected her support. “I look forward to being on the trail and helping folks where I can be helpful.”

Despite the cold shoulder in most competitive races, it is not all benchwarming for the former vice president. Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed scheduled a campaign stop with Harris in Detroit on Tuesday. She already joined El-Sayed for a black maternal health roundtable and an NAACP event focused on voter turnout. El-Sayed said Harris understood the tensions surrounding the Biden administration's approach to the Israel-Hamas war and described her appearance as an opportunity to bring Democrats together.

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is also welcoming Harris. His campaign said he was “grateful for Vice President Harris' help and support,” and Harris is scheduled to campaign with him in Georgia in October as she simultaneously weighs another presidential campaign. She said in April she was “thinking about” a 2028 bid and has since increased her political activity.

What This Means for Iowa Voters

The 2026 campaign trail offers Harris a chance to rebuild her national political network, but it is also exposing the limits of where Democratic candidates currently want her involved. For Iowa voters, the message from Sand and Turek is a clear sign that even Democrats in the state recognize Harris is not a winning messenger.

With Iowa Republicans expected to hold strong in the upcoming midterms, the Democratic ticket's decision to keep Harris at arm's length may be a calculated move to avoid tying their campaigns to an unpopular national figure. Whether it works remains to be seen, but the signal is unmistakable: in Iowa, Kamala Harris is not welcome on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Iowa Democrats rejecting Kamala Harris?

Iowa Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand and Senate nominee Josh Turek both told Politico they do not want Harris campaigning for them. Sand said the party needs “new leadership,” while Turek simply answered “No” when asked if he wanted her help.

Which other Democratic candidates have distanced themselves from Harris?

Kansas Senate nominee Adam Hamilton, Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola, Texas Senate nominee James Talarico, Texas gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa, and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs have all pushed back against Harris campaigning on their behalf.

Is anyone welcoming Harris's support?

Yes. Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) have both welcomed Harris's help. She is scheduled to campaign with Ossoff in Georgia in October.