Ken Salazar Considers Presidential Run Amid Border Crisis Critique

Ken Salazar, the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico under President Joe Biden, has revealed that he contemplated running for the presidency against his former boss in the 2024 elections. Salazar’s thoughts about a potential candidacy were spurred by what he described as Biden’s disastrous debate performance in July 2024, as detailed in an excerpt from his upcoming book obtained by Politico.

Reflections on the Debate and Internal Challenges

In the reflection of his thoughts during Biden’s debate, Salazar stated, “I should run for president.” This moment of introspection came as he grappled with not only Biden’s performance but also the escalating crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Salazar disclosed that he had consistently urged Biden’s administration to recognize the border situation as a crisis, an acknowledgment he felt was lacking in the political narrative at the time.

“There was political failure to understand the reality of the crisis at the border, and the political consequence it would have on Democrats in the 2024 election,” Salazar noted.

The Use of “Crisis” in the White House

Despite the urgency within the administration, Salazar asserted that officials frequently used the term “crisis” to describe the border situation, even when the White House appeared reluctant to do so. He recounted an instance where he advised then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to adopt this language, but Mayorkas expressed his limitations, stating, “Ken, I have a lot on my plate already. I’m about to be impeached for all this border stuff.” This admission highlights the precarious position Mayorkas found himself in regarding border policies.

Missed Opportunities and Changing Dynamics

Although Salazar assembled a team and drafted a presidential platform, he ultimately chose not to declare his candidacy. As reported by Politico, he had been preparing to enter the race if Biden were to withdraw; however, the Democratic Party did not hold open primaries, solidifying Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee. Salazar termed this decision a “mistake.”

Criticisms of Kamala Harris’s Role

Salazar voiced concerns over Harris’ effectiveness in her role as “border czar,” a title originally advocated for by Salazar himself. He criticized her response to the migration crisis, stating, “Sadly, her designation in this position was having no effect on migration flows.” Many expected that her proximity to the Oval Office would empower her to address pressing issues at the border.

Despite her appointment to tackle the “root causes” of migration, he contended that her results were disappointing. “For whatever reason, she had been unable to help with the border and migration crisis, even though she’d sat next door to the Oval Office for almost four years,” Salazar stated.

Acknowledging Policy Failures

As a trailblazing figure—Colorado’s first Hispanic U.S. senator and a lawyer of Mexican descent—Salazar evaluated Biden’s eventual decision to impose stricter measures at the border in 2024. While he regarded the action as a long-overdue move to address voter concerns regarding immigration, Salazar lamented that it came “too late.” The fallout from the ongoing border insecurity tainted the closing months of the presidential election.

Salazar’s Future Plans and Democratic Engagement

In addition to his reflections on the past, Salazar is actively engaging with potential Democratic candidates for future elections. He has been sharing his “borderlands platform,” which promotes a comprehensive reform of the U.S. immigration system, which he asserts is in dire need of overhaul. He has already met with Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, indicating his intention to collaborate with future leaders to shape effective immigration policy.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Salazar, Pritzker, Gallego, and Kelly for comments to gain further insight into their perspectives on these issues and future political strategies.