Former Vice President Kamala Harris has privately reached out to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and several prominent pro-Palestinian activists in recent weeks, according to Axios, in what is being viewed as her latest effort to strengthen ties with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing as speculation grows about a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

Last Thursday, Harris called Mamdani to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and arrange a longer conversation, according to a person familiar with the call. The outreach came just two days after three congressional candidates backed by Mamdani swept Democratic primaries in New York City, defeating two incumbent lawmakers and underscoring the growing influence of the party’s democratic socialist wing.

Harris has also held private meetings with progressive figures critical of U.S. support for Israel, including Abbas Alawieh, a Michigan Democratic state Senate candidate and co-founder of the Uncommitted Movement, and longtime Democratic National Committee member James Zogby. Alawieh said he told Harris that “American tax dollars should never be used to target civilians or destroy entire communities,” while also describing the impact of the war on families in his community.

The outreach marks a notable shift after many progressive activists criticized Harris during the 2024 election for remaining too closely aligned with former President Joe Biden’s Israel policy. In her 2025 memoir, 107 Days, Harris wrote that she privately urged Biden to show more empathy toward Palestinian civilians in Gaza, saying his public comments often fell short.

While Harris remains among the leading names in early 2028 Democratic presidential polling, she continues to face skepticism from parts of the party’s far left, as well as moderates and major donors. Her recent conversations suggest she is trying to rebuild bridges with a coalition that could prove critical if she enters the next Democratic presidential primary.