Harris Urges Ohioans to Build Community as Path Forward

Former VP says Americans must turn to each other, not Washington, to address challenges

Feb. 26, 2026 at 4:54am

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In a visit to Cleveland, former Vice President Kamala Harris told a crowd that the key to addressing the country's problems lies in communities coming together, rather than relying on leaders in Washington. Harris criticized President Trump's rhetoric about the economy, saying it was out of touch with the financial realities facing many Americans. She encouraged support for Democratic candidates in Ohio's upcoming midterm elections and said the path forward is through intentional community-building, not isolation.

Why it matters

Harris' message reflects a growing sentiment that traditional political institutions are failing to adequately address the concerns of everyday Americans. By shifting the focus to local community efforts, she is tapping into a desire for more grassroots, bottom-up solutions to the country's challenges.

The details

During her visit to Cleveland, Harris spoke at Playhouse Square and met with community members, including at the Midtown Market food pantry. She criticized President Trump's State of the Union address, saying it was a distraction from the economic struggles many Americans face. Harris encouraged support for Democratic candidates in Ohio, including Reps. Emilia Sykes and Shontel Brown, as well as Senate candidate Sherrod Brown. She said the path forward is through intentional community-building, rather than relying on leaders in Washington.

  • Harris visited Cleveland on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The upcoming midterm elections in Ohio will be a key test for American democracy, according to Harris.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States who is currently on a national tour to promote her memoir '107 Days'.

Emilia Sykes

Democratic Representative in Ohio.

Shontel Brown

Democratic Representative in Ohio.

Sherrod Brown

Democratic candidate running for the United States Senate in Ohio.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States whose rhetoric about the economy Harris criticized as out of touch.

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What they’re saying

“Let's just get right into it -- the man lies.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

“You know, people have often since the election, asked me, 'what can we do? And part of my diagnosis of where we are includes not only what we talked about … but what this environment has done to make people feel alone and isolated.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

“There is nothing more I think, disempowering than when you feel alone.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

What’s next

The upcoming midterm elections in Ohio will be a key test for American democracy, according to Harris. She encouraged support for Democratic candidates Emilia Sykes, Shontel Brown, and Sherrod Brown.

The takeaway

Harris' message emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions over reliance on political institutions. By shifting the focus to local efforts, she is tapping into a growing sentiment that traditional politics is failing to address the concerns of everyday Americans.