More than Donald Trump's opponent: Here are some of Kamala Harris' campaign promises
In weeks since President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris has shored up delegate support, received the nomination from the Democratic party and picked a running mate, but she has yet to put forward an official policy agenda.
Harris' campaign speeches thus far have set herself up as the antidote to former President Donald Trump. She has argued her presidency would push the country forward while Trump would pull the country back.
But clues have emerged in Harris' appearances over the past few weeks that suggest how her agenda might shape up. She has repeatedly brought up abortion access, gun-law reform and making life more affordable for families, as she has embarked on the campaign trail. Also, she was reportedly was drawn to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for his record passing several progressive policies in his home state.
Harris' priorities may crystalize in the coming weeks as the Democratic National Convention in Chicago draws closer. Here have been some of her biggest campaign promises so far:
More: Where Harris stands on Israel, abortion, climate change, education and the economy
National protections for reproductive freedoms
Harris, in speeches as the presumptive nominee in Atlanta, Houston and Indianapolis, promised to sign a law restoring the federal right to reproductive freedoms including abortion if Congress passes it.
Abortion access has long been a key issue for Democrats in this race, and Harris has become increasingly outspoken on this issue since the right was overturned in 2022. She embarked on a nationwide Reproductive Freedoms Tour earlier this year, and likely became the first president or vice president to visit a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minneapolis.
At Harris' first rally after announcing Walz as her VP in Philadelphia Tuesday, she praised his move as governor to pass abortion access after the 2022 Supreme Court decision, making Minnesota the first state to do so.
'Building up the middle class'
While experts anticipate Harris will stick close to the Biden administration on economic policies, Harris has stated supporting the middle class would be a priority.
"Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency," she said at the Biden campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, the day after he dropped out of the race.
"Our campaign is not just a fight against Donald Trump," Harris said at her rally with Walz Tuesday. "We fight for a future with affordable housing, affordable health care, affordable child care, paid leave."
Harris also told the The American Federation of Teachers at a convention in Houston she supports student loan forgiveness, a big goal of the Biden administration.
More: Kamala Harris' economic policies may largely mirror Biden's, from taxes to immigration
Gun law reform
Addressing the campaign staffers in Wilmington, Harris argued for the freedom from gun violence, saying she would work to pass universal background checks, red flag laws and an assault weapon ban.
As Vice President, Harris oversaw the newly established White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The initiative intended to build off the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a law passed in 2022, which is considered the biggest gun safety package in 30 years.
Walz, a hunter and gun owner, also brings experience strengthening gun control laws in Minnesota. While he was once endorsed by gun rights groups such as the National Rifle Association, he began supporting stricter gun laws after the 2018 Parkland shooting.
Voting rights
Harris has repeatedly promised to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.
As Vice President, she pushed to enshrine voting rights. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would have extended the protection of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and required federal approval for some local election law changes, but it has repeatedly stalled in Congress.
Contributing: Rachel Barber, Rebecca Morin, Paul Davidson, Riley Beggin, Natasha Lovato, Sarah D. Wire
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris' policy proposals on reproductive rights, gun laws, more