Ken Salazar, who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico during President Joe Biden’s administration, came close to launching a presidential campaign against his former boss in 2024. The revelation came through excerpts from his new book, where the former Colorado senator detailed his frustrations with how the White House handled the border situation. Salazar’s consideration to run intensified after Biden’s problematic debate performance in July 2024, which raised concerns about the president’s ability to continue leading the country.
The former ambassador’s decision to contemplate a presidential bid stemmed from what he perceived as fundamental failures in addressing the immigration crisis. According to Salazar, the administration’s reluctance to acknowledge the severity of the situation created political vulnerabilities that ultimately affected Democrats in the 2024 election. His internal conflict reflected broader tensions within the party about immigration strategy and messaging during a critical election year.
Early warnings about border crisis went unheeded by administration
Salazar revealed that he pushed for the Biden administration to designate a border czar early in the term and advised using the word “crisis” to describe conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite these recommendations, the White House initially refused to acknowledge the situation with such stark language. The former ambassador noted that within administration circles, officials frequently used the term “crisis” in private conversations, even as public messaging avoided the characterization.
When Salazar approached then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about adopting more direct language, he received pushback. Mayorkas reportedly told him he already faced significant pressure, with impeachment proceedings looming over border-related issues and sustained Republican attacks. The exchange highlighted the political calculations that influenced how the administration communicated about immigration challenges to the American public.
Presidential campaign plans derailed by party’s decision on Harris
Despite recruiting a team and drafting a presidential platform, Salazar never officially declared his candidacy. His strategy involved entering the race when Biden withdrew, but the Democratic Party moved swiftly to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris without holding open primaries. Salazar described this decision as a mistake, believing the party should have allowed a more democratic selection process.
The lack of competitive primaries prevented other potential candidates from presenting their visions to voters. Salazar had developed what he calls a “borderlands platform” that acknowledged fundamental problems in the U.S. immigration system. His platform emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms rather than piecemeal approaches that had characterized previous attempts at immigration policy changes.
Harsh criticism of Harris’s performance as border czar
Salazar expressed deep disappointment with Harris’s effectiveness in the role he had advocated creating. While the vice president was tasked with addressing root causes of migration, Salazar observed no measurable impact on migration flows during her tenure. He wrote that many within political circles felt Harris had been ineffective despite her proximity to the Oval Office for nearly four years.
The criticism extended beyond policy outcomes to questions about why Harris couldn’t leverage her position to help manage the border and migration crisis. Salazar’s assessment aligned with broader political challenges Harris faced during her presidential campaign, where her role on immigration issues became a significant liability. The “border czar” label, whether accurate or not, dogged her efforts to connect with voters concerned about immigration enforcement.
Too little, too late on border enforcement measures
While Salazar praised Biden’s eventual decision to effectively shut down the border in 2024, he acknowledged the timing proved problematic for Democrats. The move should have demonstrated responsiveness to voter demands for action on immigration, but came too late to alter public perception. Images of what appeared to be an uncontrolled border dominated the final months of the presidential campaign, reinforcing narratives that hurt Democratic candidates.
The former ambassador’s book, titled “Borderlands: My Fight For An Inclusive America,” details his vision for immigration reform that balances security concerns with humanitarian considerations. Salazar, Colorado’s first Hispanic senator and a lawyer of Mexican descent, brings unique perspective to debates about border policy. His family background and professional experience inform his belief that the U.S. immigration system requires fundamental restructuring rather than incremental adjustments.
Outreach to potential Democratic presidential candidates for 2028
Salazar has begun meeting with potential Democratic presidential candidates to discuss his borderlands platform and immigration policy ideas. He has already held conversations with Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, both Democrats with significant border-state experience. Additional meetings are planned with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, indicating Salazar’s intention to influence the party’s direction on immigration ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
The meetings suggest Democrats are engaging in early discussions about how to approach immigration policy in future campaigns. Border security and immigration enforcement proved decisive issues in 2024, and party leaders recognize the need for more effective messaging and policy proposals. Salazar’s involvement in these conversations reflects his continued influence on immigration debates despite his decision not to pursue elected office himself. His experiences as ambassador to Mexico provide insights into diplomatic approaches that could complement domestic enforcement measures in a comprehensive immigration strategy.
