Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has chosen her alma mater, Howard University, as the site for her election night headquarters, according to campaign sources. The historic decision reflects her deep connection to the renowned HBCU, where she spent her formative years and says shaped her into the leader she is today. Plans indicate that Harris’s event will likely be held in the Quad, though the exact campus location is subject to change.
In anticipation of the event, Howard University has announced that classes will be held remotely on Monday, November 4, and the campus will be closed with no classes on Election Day, November 5, accommodating the heightened security and activity expected around the high-profile gathering. The event’s timing aligns with Harris’s recent reflections on her Howard years, shared in The Hilltop’s student newspaper. “I recognize my time at Howard shaped me into the person I am today,” Harris wrote. “At Howard, we learn that we have the capacity to be great and also that we have the responsibility to work hard to live up to that potential each day.”
Harris, who pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first historically Black sorority, at Howard in 1986, has frequently described her time at “The Mecca” as pivotal in her journey toward public service and leadership. Her campaign’s decision to hold election night at Howard symbolizes her commitment to empowering historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide.
While Harris celebrates her roots at Howard, her election night plans starkly contrast her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who will host a watch party at a convention center near his resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump’s plans for election night remain unconfirmed, but his campaign’s choice of Florida—a critical battleground state—signals his focus on shoring up support in a region where he has long enjoyed influence.
Harris has championed HBCUs throughout her campaign, often citing the Biden administration’s historic investment in higher education institutions that serve underrepresented communities. “We have taken historic actions to ensure all students have the resources they need to thrive,” Harris said. “This includes increasing the size of Pell Grants, forgiving more student debt than any other administration in history, and investing an unprecedented $17 billion in HBCUs.” Yet she acknowledges the need for continued progress, pledging, “We know more needs to be done, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside you as we build a brighter future for all,” she stated.
If elected, Harris would be the first woman to capture the Oval Office. “I am proud to be an alumna of Howard University, and I send you all my best wishes for a wonderful homecoming celebration,” she said.