Why Kamala Harris has Michigan youth advocates standing behind her

From her vice-presidential nomination in 2020 to her potential presidency in 2024, Kamala Harris continues to inspire hope among young Michigan voters.

Kamala Harris made history when she received the vice-presidential nomination for the Democratic party in the 2020 election.

The move marked Harris as the first African American and South Asian American woman to be nominated, and later elected, as vice president.

Harris, a senator and former attorney general of California, brought a diverse and impressive political background to the ticket.

Her nomination sparked hope across the nation. For many, Harris’s nomination represented the possibilities for change. For African American and South Asian American communities, her candidacy symbolized a significant step towards greater representation and inclusion in the highest levels of government.

During Harris’s victory speech in 2020, after her election as vice-president, she told a cheering crowd what the win symbolized for the future.

“Every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities,” Harris said. 

Four years later, Harris is making history again as she emerges as the probable Democratic presidential nominee.

After President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Harris, the political landscape exploded with reactions.

Youth-led organizations across the country are fired up about how Harris’ potential presidency might influence policies and the lives of ordinary Americans.

Michigan United Action is one such organization. The group bills itself as committed to backing candidates, like Harris, who advocate for a government that reflects the needs of all people—not just the rich and powerful. 

“We call on every member of the multi-racial working class to join forces and take action to ensure that our nation moves forward, not backwards,” said Ken Whittaker, Michigan United Action executive director.

They’re not the only Michigan organization sharing in the excitement behind a potential Harris presidency.

“When I saw President Biden offer his endorsement to Vice President Harris to be the new Democratic nominee, and saw how Democrats across the country gathered behind her, I was thrilled,” said Voters of Tomorrow Michigan chapter lead Rishiv Ramesh. 

Ramesh, like many other Gen-Z voters, feels optimistic about Harris’s presidency.

Through her policies, Harris has consistently engaged with younger voters. She actively listens to the voices of the younger generation and cares about what they want for the future of America.

In 2023, she launched the “Fight for Our Freedom College Tour.” The tour was organized to bring together young people to discuss the continued fight for fundamental freedoms and rights.

“Harris oversees the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and is a strong advocate for funding mental health care in schools—issues that deeply impact the lives of youth in America,” Ramesh said.

Locally, Harris has consistently advocated for Michigan workers. She has continually defended their rights to organize and ensured their interests are prioritized.

The Biden-Harris administration has directed millions towards Michigan’s clean energy initiatives, financed through grants from the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments have not only boosted job creation, but also advanced environmental sustainability and economic growth.

The Inflation Reduction Act from the Biden-Harris administration awarded Michigan with $35.7 million to support Michigan’s clean energy infrastructure. The funding from the act will provide Michiganders better access to reliable and clean energy. The act also provides 5,000 new high-paying jobs. 

The positive impact of the Inflation Reduction Act is part of a broader economic revival under the Bide-Harris administration.

Since the Biden-Harris inauguration in January of 2021, Michigan’s economy has seen a significant boost, adding 242,600 jobs. Michigan has now recovered 88% of all jobs lost between February and April of 2020. 

With more job opportunities, young people can access better housing, healthcare, and education.

These achievements from the Biden-Harris administration in Michigan, Ramesh said, represents not only personal hope, but hope to build a stronger community within the state. 

“As a lifelong resident of Michigan, it would be beyond meaningful to elect a president who has been such a strong advocate for my state,” Ramesh said.