When Kamala Harris stepped out onto the national stage as a vice president nominee in 2020, she represented more than a political candidate, but a national movement and the promise of a new era of change and leadership. As the daughter of Indian and Jamaican parents, a former prosecutor, attorney general of California, senator, and the first female vice president in history, Harris represents a story of resilience and perseverance, making her a perfect candidate for running again in 2028.
Kamala Harris has already proven herself to be a politician who can handle the pressure that comes with national leadership. As vice president, she helped guide the economy by adding over 16 million jobs for the market, growing the GDP by 12 percent. During that time, the U.S. had the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years. She helped expand healthcare for millions through Medicaid, helping working-class people receive affordable medicine. Additionally, Harris helped provide tax benefits to small businesses, resulting in a record 19 million small business applications. As Vice President, she oversaw the creation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Protection, one of the most meaningful gun safety initiatives enacted by the federal government in decades. If given the chance to continue her political journey as the Democratic nominee in 2028, Harris could achieve even more.
Many are also impressed by Harris’ persistence and believe that a return in 2028 could make for an effective political narrative. “She definitely accomplished a lot in office, and coming back, her campaign could represent resilience,” Berkeley High School freshman Sandra Jobson-Aue said, “There’s definitely a lot of hatred … right now, and I think she really does not represent any of that … she’s very uplifting. If she were to run again, especially after losing, (it would be) a symbol of strength.”
Beyond just her accomplishments in office, Harris stands out as a candidate for office due to her appeal across many different voter communities. When she was first inaugurated, she broke three major barriers, becoming the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American vice president. That kind of symbolism matters in politics and sends underrepresented communities a powerful message. Representation signals progress, hope, and inclusion in a political system that has historically represented the perspectives of white men above all others. Harris’ leadership would show how the government can represent the diversity of the U.S. and would help pave the way for more equitable policies that represent everyone’s interests and experiences. “Her policies are far more inclusive (than Trump’s) and make it so that everyone can live the way they are,” BHS junior Kenny Swensen said. Harris’ appeal as a candidate who stands for the people she serves gives her the unique ability to inspire new generations and unite communities over a shared vision of representation and change.
Harris also brings experience across levels of government and a commitment to fighting for middle-class Americans. Growing up in Berkeley with a single mother, she fought for opportunities and worked her way up to every position she had. From her time as a district attorney fighting for justice to serving as the Attorney General for California and holding large corporations accountable during the 2008 financial crisis, Harris has built her career off of fighting for working families.
Her record shows how she isn’t just aware of economic challenges, but she’s actively tried to address them. This makes her uniquely positioned to earn the trust of working-class swing voters. Her additional experience in the California Senate and, later, the White House, gives her a level of experience that other possible candidates for 2028 such as Gavin Newsom, J.B Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg simply do not have. Most importantly, to many, Harris’ return to politics would be a sign of hope in a time of political strife. As BHS junior Nina Jacobsohn put it, “Her campaign would represent a new beginning.”