Kamala Harris Spotted Shopping with Plastic Bags After Environmental Advocacy

WESTWOOD, Calif. — Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were seen carrying plastic bags after shopping at 99 Ranch Market, an Asian grocery store, on Thursday. The sighting comes years after Harris advocated for banning plastic straws during her 2019 presidential campaign.

Harris, 60, and Emhoff, 60, appeared relaxed as they exited the store in Westwood, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The couple, who recently returned to California after President Trump‘s inauguration, have been adjusting to civilian life following Harris’ tenure as the 49th vice president.

During her 2019 White House bid, Harris supported a ban on plastic straws, emphasizing the need to address environmental concerns. “I think we should,” she said at the time, acknowledging the limitations of paper straws. “We do need to ban the plastic.” California, along with several other states, has since implemented restrictions on single-use plastic bags to reduce environmental impact.

Harris’ recent use of plastic bags has drawn attention, given her past environmental advocacy. Single-use plastic bags can take decades or even centuries to decompose, according to environmental studies.

Since her defeat in the 2024 presidential election, Harris has remained largely silent about her future plans. She has, however, expressed her determination to “stay in the fight” and not “go quietly into the night.” Political observers speculate that she may consider running for California governor in 2026 or another presidential bid in 2028.

Harris’ political career has been marked by both progressive stances and centrist shifts. After dropping out of the 2020 presidential race before the Iowa caucuses, she rebounded to become vice president under President Joe Biden. Her 2024 campaign, however, ended in defeat, raising questions about her political future.

Recent filings reveal that Harris established Pioneer49 LLC in California, named after her Secret Service codename “Pioneer” and her ranking as the 49th vice president. The move suggests she is keeping her options open for a potential return to politics.

Harris has reportedly consulted with family, friends, and prominent figures, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, about her next steps. She has emphasized her desire to avoid actions that could preclude a 2028 presidential run.

As Harris and Emhoff settle back into life in California, their grocery store outing has sparked both curiosity and debate, particularly among environmental advocates and political analysts.