In a rare public appearance since her defeat in the November presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris spoke passionately about the rollback of fundamental rights under President Trump. She addressed a gathering of Black women leaders, including business owners and politicians, at a national conference held at a resort in Dana Point, California.
During her speech, Harris emphasized the importance of self-care and community support, urging attendees to take care of themselves and each other. "We can’t go out there and do battle if we don’t take care of ourselves and each other," she said, reassuring the crowd that she plans to stay active in the fight for constitutional protections. "I’ll see you out there. I’m not going anywhere."
Harris hinted at her potential candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race, as she considers replacing the termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom. While she did not directly address her political aspirations during her eight-minute talk, her presence at the event sparked excitement among the approximately 100 women in attendance. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause when she entered the room.
This conference came at a time when Harris has mostly stayed out of the political spotlight following her election loss. After the election, she made a brief appearance in Altadena, meeting with local firefighters and volunteers. She also spoke at an NAACP event, touching on the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s policies.
Harris’s speech resonated with many attendees, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is reportedly considering a run for governor of Georgia. The event fostered a sense of solidarity among women leaders, with discussions about meaningful moments and shared experiences.
Harris reflected on the progress made since her first attendance at the group’s event in 2016, contrasting it with the current political climate. She expressed concern over the rollback of policies that have helped minorities, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. "Our commitment to lifting each other up, lifting up our community, lifting up our country has not changed," she stated, highlighting the fear and uncertainty many people feel in today’s political environment.
While she refrained from naming Trump directly, her comments clearly pointed to the administration’s actions that have affected vulnerable communities. Harris noted the silence and capitulation some organizations have shown in response to the current administration’s policies, a notable mention given her husband’s law firm recently struck a deal with Trump’s administration.
Harris concluded her remarks by acknowledging the fears present in the nation today, but she encouraged everyone not to lose hope. "I’m not here to say, ‘I told you so,’" she quipped, prompting laughter and applause from the audience. Her appearance marked a significant moment for those gathered, reaffirming her commitment to advocacy and political engagement moving forward.