Kamala Harris will deliver a post-election message to Maryland students

By CHRIS MEGERIAN The Associated Press

FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Democratic National Committee's Holiday Reception at Willard Hotel in Washington, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jose Luis Magana]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris will deliver a speech to students in Maryland on Tuesday in what will likely be her most extensive remarks since losing the election to Donald Trump.

A White House official said the Democratic vice president would focus on how politicians should present an optimistic vision for the future, something she talked about frequently on the campaign trail.

It’s unclear what Harris’ next steps will be after her term ends. Harris could try to position herself as a leader of the anti-Trump opposition. There’s also speculation that she could run for governor in her home state of California, where the next election is in 2026.

At 60 years old, Harris likely has another act or two in public life, maybe even another run for the presidency. But she could face stiff competition from other Democratic politicians and weariness from voters who want to move on after a dispiriting campaign ended with Trump’s victory.

With Republicans taking control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are still trying to figure out the best way forward for their party.

Vice President Kamala Harris listens as first lady Jill Biden speaks at the Democratic National Committee's Holiday Reception at Willard Hotel in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jose Luis Magana

Judging by the plans for her Tuesday speech in Prince George’s County, Harris envisions a path that’s very similar to the message from her candidacy and vice presidency. While serving under President Joe Biden, Harris toured college campuses and focused on issues that resonate with students, like gun violence and climate change. She also made sure to meet with young people overseas in Africa and Asia as she worked on U.S. diplomatic efforts.

During the presidential campaign, Harris often talked about her love of Generation Z and the importance of rising leaders. It was one of the ways she tried to draw a contrast with Trump, who is 78 years old.

However, Harris did worse with young people this year than Biden did four years ago. According to AP VoteCast, a survey of the electorate, she won 51% of voters ages 18 to 29, down from 61% for Biden.