The Importance of State Legislatures

The States Project’s Giving Circle, Resilience Initiative, recently hosted a Zoom event with David Plouffe, who is now Senior Advisor to the Harris Campaign. David discussed the presidential election in light of the announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris would be taking over President Joe Biden as the 2024 Democratic Presidential nominee. The response since this announcement has understandably been overwhelming, with greater interest in what was already a high stakes election. Whilst the astoundingly positive response to Kamala Harris bodes well for her campaign, David still stressed the importance of state legislatures, reminding us of where our focus should really be this November.

In emphasizing the importance of The States Project’s work, it was suggested that building resilience at the state level will allow for a greater withstanding of roadblocks encountered along the way.   

David further stressed the importance of electing leaders who will prioritize key issues and build a stronger group of public servants. To quote David: “one of the candidates you are now supporting may become President one day!”

Though anything is possible between now and November, and there is no shortage of surprises, the focus on state races and building power in the states is integral. David suggested remaining focused on fundraising and campaigning for state legislatures, investing your time, money and energy in the state level where more is within reach to achieve and where you can have greater agency and control over the outcomes despite what happens at the national level. 

The States Project Chief Programs Officer Mandara Meyers also emphasized focusing your resources on what you can control, stressing the importance of state legislative races in protecting democracy. 

By building power in the states, this will help defend against potential right-wing subversion and chaos and that your efforts this November could make a crucial difference.

Mandara also highlighted the significance of state legislative races in the upcoming Presidential election, including states like Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Nevada, and the role of the legislature in certifying election results. This, as we have been reminded by The States Project, will create an insurance policy against potential election interference and further help to preserve democracy.