Kamala Harris to Deliver Keynote Address in Little Rock

Former Vice President to Headline Arkansas Democrats' Fisher Shackelford Dinner

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:50pm

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The Arkansas Democrats announced that former Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Fisher Shackelford Dinner in Little Rock. The dinner honors the legacies of pioneering women in Arkansas politics, and this year will celebrate Debrah Mitchell, Tippi McCullough, and Addie Jones.

Why it matters

Harris' appearance at the Fisher Shackelford Dinner represents a high-profile return to the political stage for the former vice president, who has kept a relatively low profile since the 2024 election. The event will also shine a spotlight on the contributions of women leaders in Arkansas politics.

The details

The Fisher Shackelford Dinner began in 2014 to honor the legacies of Lottie Shackelford, the first black female mayor of Little Rock, and the late Jimmie Lou Fisher, Arkansas' longest serving state treasurer. This year's dinner will celebrate three more trailblazing women in Arkansas politics. Harris' team confirmed the appearance in an exclusive announcement to CNN, noting that the speech in Little Rock will come after fundraisers for Democratic state parties in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

  • The 2026 Fisher Shackelford Dinner will be held on April 25, 2026.
  • Harris' speech will be her first keynote address since the 2024 election.

The players

Kamala Harris

The 49th Vice President of the United States and the first woman in American history to hold the office.

Lottie Shackelford

The first black female mayor of Little Rock.

Jimmie Lou Fisher

Arkansas' longest serving state treasurer.

Debrah Mitchell

One of the honorees at the 2026 Fisher Shackelford Dinner.

Tippi McCullough

One of the honorees at the 2026 Fisher Shackelford Dinner.

Addie Jones

One of the honorees at the 2026 Fisher Shackelford Dinner.

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What they’re saying

“We are so honored for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

— Jannie Cotton, Arkansas Democrats Vice Chair

“There would be no one better to keynote this incredible event and celebrate our remarkable honorees. I have worked tirelessly to bring her to Arkansas and to make this happen, and I can't wait to share this historic evening.”

— Jannie Cotton, Arkansas Democrats Vice Chair

What’s next

The 2026 Fisher Shackelford Dinner will be held at the Wally Allen Ballroom in the Little Rock Convention Center on April 25.

The takeaway

Kamala Harris' keynote address at the Fisher Shackelford Dinner represents a high-profile return to the political stage for the former vice president, and will shine a spotlight on the contributions of women leaders in Arkansas politics. The event underscores the continued importance of honoring the legacies of trailblazers like Lottie Shackelford and Jimmie Lou Fisher.