Opinion: Kamala Harris is the perfect candidate for this moment.

The possibility of our first female President is exciting in its own right. The thought of Vice President Harris as our first female President is even more exciting because the Biden-Harris Administration has proven its dedication to the American people through various significant accomplishments, from 286,000 new jobs created in Nevada to the passage of bipartisan bills like the Safer Communities Act and the bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Of course, I must also give credit where credit is due, and thank President Biden for leading the success of this administration and his life of service. President Biden has served our country for the past 53 years. First as a Senator from Delaware, then as a Vice President to President Barack Obama, and finally as the President of the United States for the past three and a half years. 

It is also vital to acknowledge the courage and love of our country that it took to step aside and make way for Kamala Harris to run. In a time where many politicians seek more power, President Biden put our future before his own political ambition. The selflessness of that decision cannot be understated. I am grateful to President Biden for choosing to step aside and pave the way for Vice President Harris to continue fulfilling their robust agenda aimed at supporting American workers. 

Vice President Harris is the perfect candidate for this moment. Even before her time as Vice President, she has always been a staunch defender of what is just and fair. Her extensive legal background and proven leadership skills made her a barrier-breaking District Attorney, California’s Attorney General, and United States senator. 

Vice President Harris’s commitment to fighting to protect abortion access, Social Security, and affordable healthcare is critical when these protections and more are at risk. Our community needs a leader, like Vice President Harris, who has a proven track record of prioritizing the needs of regular people over corporations and wealthy interests. Our political leaders should hold our values and support our freedoms. 

The divisive nature of Trump’s politics is evident by his speech during the Republican National Convention. Despite calls to tone down rhetoric and provide a call for unity, Trump quickly devolved into baseless attacks and conspiracy theories during his speech. 

Additionally, we must not forget that the authors of Project 2025 are former members of Trump’s administration and cabinet. Project 2025 is a comprehensive guide for Trump’s second term to strip us of our rights and freedoms that we enjoy. From cutting funding for the Department of Education, which would greatly impact public education, to eliminating abortion access nationwide, Project 2025 has human consequences that cannot be ignored. Regardless of Trump’s attempts to distance himself from this effort, I know he will support efforts to restrict rights, evidenced by how he has bragged about overturning Roe v. Wade.

Luckily, Vice President Harris’s focus on integrity and unity positions her as a candidate capable of leading the nation toward a more fair, just, and stable future. Her policy positions are in line with values many of us hold. From supporting reproductive rights to climate policy that will help us tackle skyrocketing temperatures, she has proven that she is for the people. 

Kamala Harris offers a younger and more vibrant take on this election. Her candidacy embodies the diversity of our country. She is also a candidate that those who were not excited about a 2020 rematch can coalesce around, and she has ignited a new excitement for the general election. From memes to donations, discussion of her as the democratic candidate has taken over online and in-person social conversations. 

I believe this excitement will carry over to votes, and the time for our first female President of the United States is here.