NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former Vice President Kamala Harris called for sweeping structural changes to key American institutions on Friday, advocating for the expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court alongside potential statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Speaking at the National Urban League Annual Conference at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Harris delivered her most direct proposals yet regarding systemic federal reforms. During a fireside chat with National Urban League President Marc Morial, the former Democratic presidential nominee urged political leaders to reconsider foundational elements of the judicial and electoral systems.
"We need to revisit the point of expanding the court to 13 justices like we have 13 district courts," Harris told attendees, pointing to the alignment between the federal appellate circuit structure and the bench.
Thank you for showing us what is possible, @vp #KamalaHarris.
— National Urban League (@NatUrbanLeague) November 9, 2024
Your journey, as the first Black woman and the first woman of color to earn the nomination of a major party for President, ignited hope for millions across this country. pic.twitter.com/q4nsVXZozB
Expanding the Supreme Court from its current nine justices—six of whom were appointed by Republican presidents—has long been a rallying cry among progressive lawmakers, though main-line party leadership previously approached the topic with caution. Harris acknowledged the political gravity of her platform, noting, "I know this is going to be controversial coming from me in particular, but we need to revisit the Electoral College."
Beyond judicial and electoral system changes, Harris urged federal leadership to revisit granting statehood to Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico if residents of those territories desire it. Granting statehood to the federal district and the Caribbean island territory would add four new members to the U.S. Senate and alter the electoral map.
When asked whether her proposals signaled preparation for another presidential campaign, Harris stated she has not made a decision regarding a 2028 White House bid, emphasizing that her immediate priority remains focused on mobilizing voters for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
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