As one of the most powerful Democrat in America, Vice President Kamala Harris has redefined the Democratic Party’s vision and laid a foundation that resonates across generations. Her recent race may not have led to victory, but it achieved historic milestones and undeniable progress, positioning her as a strong candidate for a presidential run in 2028. Harris’s journey is more than a campaign story—it’s a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of representation.

Key Campaign Successes:
Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign set records and defined new standards, underscoring her influence and appeal as the Democratic Party’s future:

• Unmatched Fundraising Power: Harris shattered expectations by raising a staggering $1 billion in just 107 days, mobilizing grassroots supporters and influential donors alike. This financial prowess is a rare asset, proving Harris has the power to energize her base and secure the resources for a robust campaign in 2028.
• A Historic First: Harris became the first nominee for the Democratic Party who is both a woman and Black — and South Asian, opening doors for diverse leadership and setting a historic milestone that inspired millions. Her groundbreaking nomination broadened the party’s reach, engaging a new generation of voters and energizing communities that may prove even more impactful in 2028.
• Electrifying Rallies: Harris’s campaign rallies drew some of the largest and most energized crowds, uniting diverse demographics and proving her ability to mobilize on a massive scale. This enthusiasm and reach will be invaluable as Democrats seek to connect with younger voters and maintain turnout momentum in future elections.
• Debate Dominance: Known for her sharp debating skills, Harris outperformed Donald Trump on the debate stage, refocusing on critical issues and strengthening her policy appeal. Her clear stances on healthcare, climate action, and reproductive rights won over progressives and independents alike, highlighting her capability as a skilled and effective communicator.

Notable Endorsements and Widespread Support
During her campaign, Harris garnered endorsements from leading Democratic voices, including former President Barack Obama, major labor unions, and key progressive organizations. These endorsements amplified her message, validated her leadership, and set the stage for her continued influence in Democratic circles. These alliances could be a solid foundation for another potential run, ensuring she has strong backing in 2028.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol during a ceremony on the first anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 6, 2022. Greg Nash/Pool via REUTERS

Takeaways and Implications for 2028
While the 2024 outcome wasn’t in her favor, Harris’s campaign was a transformative experience, positioning her as the Democratic Party’s top hope to retake the White House in 2028:

• A Diverse Coalition: Harris has built a powerful coalition of young voters, women, people of color, and progressives. If she can retain and expand this base, she has the potential to bridge party divides and strengthen Democratic appeal in a way few others can.
• The Absence of Trump: With Donald Trump out of the 2028 race, Republicans may lack the singular, polarizing figure who drove voter turnout in 2024. This void could open the door for Harris to expand her base and draw in moderates looking for fresh, inclusive leadership.

A Campaign Beyond Politics
Harris’s 2024 bid wasn’t just a run for office; it was a bold vision of the Democratic Party’s future. Her achievements, historic firsts, and groundbreaking influence reflect a leader whose determination and resilience are unmatched. She has shown that every setback is an opportunity to regroup, rethink, and rise stronger. Success doesn’t come solely from victories but from the courage to persist, the flexibility to adapt, and the unyielding drive to try again.

Harris’s journey represents not only the thrill of competition but also the profound growth that emerges from the challenges. In politics, as in sports (the Super Bowl, the World Series), resilience fuels the comeback, and Harris’s experience has crafted her into a contender ready to lead in 2028. Her return to the national stage would embody the resilience and strength that the Democratic Party—and America—needs.

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Florida National News
opinion@FloridaNationalNews.com

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – With a historic victory, President-Elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House has solidified Florida’s role as the center of American political power. In a stunning upset, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign fell short, and with additional Senate control, the Republican Party has made Florida home to some of the nation’s most influential leaders.

With Trump’s victory, Florida emerges as the undisputed command center of Republican influence, where leaders like President-Elect Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Governor Ron DeSantis, US Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, and Congressman Byron Donalds are set to drive national-state policies from the heart of the Sunshine State.

Source: Florida National News

Florida’s Power Players and the Potential Impact of a Trump White House:

• Donald Trump, President-Elect – A resident of Palm Beach, President-Elect Trump’s home base brings presidential influence directly to Florida.
• Susie Wiles, Trump’s Chief of Staff – Florida-based political strategist Susie Wiles will make history as the first woman Chief of Staff, bringing her expertise and loyalty from Trump’s past campaigns to the West Wing.
• Governor Ron DeSantis – Trump’s longtime ally and the state’s governor, DeSantis is expected to play a critical advisory role in federal-state relations.
• U.S. Senator Rick Scott – Likely to be tapped as the new GOP Senate Leader, Senator Scott could amplify Florida’s power in national legislation.
• U.S. Senator Marco Rubio – A strong contender for a Cabinet role, Rubio’s foreign policy expertise could shape Trump’s national security agenda.
• Congressman Byron Donalds – As Trump’s key ally, Donalds may receive a Cabinet position, strengthening Florida’s influence within the administration.

With Trump set to be sworn in on January 20, 2025, Florida’s status as a Republican stronghold solidifies it as a state of unprecedented influence, with powerful leaders guiding both state and national policies from the Sunshine State.

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Florida National News
opinion@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – In 2010, more than 60% of Florida voters opted for an amendment that would outlaw gerrymandering. This was ten years ago, yet the amendment is still relevant today. In the United States, only six states have non-partisan commissions to redraw legislative and congressional districts, apart from those six states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, and Washington – districts are redrawn by state lawmakers (with exception of New Jersey, which has a more complex process).

Partisan redrawing presents an issue for voters, especially Asian, Latino, and black voters. One of the most famous examples of this disenfranchisement is Florida’s 5th congressional district after the 2010 census. Prior to the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to take it upon themselves to fairly redraw districts, Florida lawmakers drew a district that stretched from Jacksonville to Orlando, encompassing primarily diverse urban areas.

Gerrymandering is worrying activists as well, particularly in southern states like Georgia, where there were increases in the black turnout.

GOP operatives have also made their intentions to gerrymander districts clear, with states like Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia set as the primary targets. This will be a problem for Americans because partisan gridlock in government does not help deliver promises, it only benefits Wall Street and those at the top.

The conservative-leaning United States Supreme Court ruled less than two years ago that federal courts do not have the authority to block gerrymandering. This Supreme Court vote was gross negligence that had little regard for the racial discrimination and voter suppression that gerrymandering presented for American voters.

Although the Supreme Court neglected its duties to protect American voters, there are solutions that could be considered to bring gerrymandering to a halt.

States should be responsible enough to put independent commissions in charge of the redistricting process. Independent commissions ensure that voters are picking their representatives in a fair manner instead of the system that many states have, where representatives are picking their voters. Redistricting commissions should be headed by citizens as opposed to politicians.

Furthermore, gerrymandering hurts voters in communities of color most, by ensuring that their representation is capped to only a few representatives. Independent commissions must make it a priority to get communities of color equitable and fair representation in the redistricting process, ensuring that their votes are no longer drowned out.

Gerrymandering is a corrupt process that prohibits citizens from getting equal and fair representation, oftentimes subjecting citizens to minority rule. Gerrymandering has usually been a tool used to keep members of congress in power, but states like Pennsylvania are now trying to extend the minority rule to judicial representation as well. This effort was first brought about during Republicans efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, seeing how unrealistic that was, state Republicans put their energy into retaking power of the legislative and judicial branches.

During the 2022 redistricting process, gerrymandering may help Republicans secure the seats of the representatives who voted in favor of overturning the election results after the Capitol riots on January 6^th. Gerrymandering will not only have an adverse impact of communities of color, it will also lead to increased corruption. United States Representatives who undermine the democracy of the United States, such as Marjory Taylor Greene of Georgia will not be held accountable because as long as their party is able to hang on to state legislatures (through the process of gerrymandering), they will be able to gerrymander their way to holding on to those seats.

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Supervisor Nathaniel Douglas is the youngest ever elected to the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors in Orange County, Florida, and the youngest elected to public office during the 2020 election. He is a contributing political opinion writer for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com