Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make several appearances in Houston this week, including a private fundraiser, speaking engagements, and a memorial service for the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. As the Democratic front-runner, Harris' visit underscores her political momentum and the city's significance in her campaign.
The vice president's Houston itinerary commences on Wednesday with a private fundraiser organized by attorney and Democratic activist Sima Ladjevardian. Expected to draw $2.5 million, the event will feature prominent local politicians such as Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, and U.S. Reps Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher. This comes shortly after her campaign reportedly raised a whopping $200 million in just the first week of her candidacy, according to the Houston Chronicle.
In addition to the fundraiser, Vice President Harris is slated to deliver remarks at Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.'s 60th International Biennial Boule. This event, which is set to be held in the George R. Brown Convention Center, sees Harris returning to a venue where she recently spoke to the American Federation of Teachers, reinforcing her commitment to educational labor issues.
On Thursday, Harris will pay her respects at a Celebration of Life Service for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, which is expected to commence at 11 a.m. at Fallbrook Church. Dignitaries such as former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are also anticipated to attend, alongside the vice president. This information comes from a report by FOX 26 Houston.
Amid the scheduled events, Governor Greg Abbott has voiced criticism over Harris's handling of immigration policies. In a statement, he claimed that "Since Vice President Harris received my letter detailing these dangerous concerns, tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors allowed to cross the border under the Biden-Harris Administration have gone unaccounted for," He further admonished the vice president for not responding to his concerns regarding what he describes as a border crisis. These remarks were obtained through a public statement ahead of her Texas visit, reported by FOX 26 Houston.
As the campaign trail continues to heat up, speculation over who might join Harris on the ticket has intensified. Names being considered for her vice presidential pick reportedly include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. With an August 7 deadline set by the Democratic National Committee looming, an announcement is expected imminently, as Harris prepares to tour battleground states with her chosen running mate, as noted by FOX 26 Houston.
