JAIME HARRISON

“I’ve known Kinney long enough to say: she is ready to carry forward Eleanor Holmes Norton’s spirit of strength, purpose, and relentless advocacy for the people of Washington, DC.” 

—Jaime Harrison, Former DNC Chair

Endorsement Statement
Jaime Harrison, Former DNC Chair

 I am proud to endorse Kinney Zalesne — an extraordinary leader, mentor, and friend — to represent Washington, DC, in Congress.

DC stands at a pivotal moment. The city faces real challenges to its autonomy, its economy, and its ability to shape its own future. These challenges demand not just passion, but proven leadership — someone with the intellect, tenacity, and heart to bring people together and get things done. That’s Kinney.

I first met Kinney in my early twenties while working with her at College Summit (now Peer Forward). From those early days, she has been a guiding light in my life — mentoring me through law school, shaping how I think about opportunity, and showing me what transformative leadership looks like. I watched her lead that organization with vision and determination, helping thousands of young people become the first in their families to go to college. Under her leadership, College Summit didn’t just open doors — it changed systems, earning recognition from President Obama and the World Economic Forum.

When I became DNC Chair, Kinney was one of the first to call and ask, “How can I help?” From her executive role at Microsoft, she built the Women’s Executive Network — galvanizing women across the country to organize, engage, and make their voices heard. It became one of the DNC’s most successful and innovative organizing efforts.

Kinney has a rare ability to see possibility where others see roadblocks — to marry vision with action. She leads with both toughness and grace, and she has spent her career making institutions more inclusive, more effective, and more humane.

For more than three decades, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has been a relentless champion for DC’s full representation and the fight for statehood. There is no one more emblematic of the strength and resilience of the District than Ms. Norton. Her service continues to inspire generations of Washingtonians to believe in what’s possible for this city and for our democracy itself.

I’ve known Kinney long enough to say this with complete confidence: she is ready for this moment and committed to carrying forward that same spirit of strength, purpose, and relentless advocacy for the people of Washington, DC.

Best,
Jaime