Kamala Harris’ quick, unexpected transformation from a low-profile Vice-President to the headline-dominating Democratic presidential nominee has upended the 2024 election in just a few short weeks.

Across the Pacific Ocean, Harris’ story may resonate with New Zealanders, like myself, who see parallels with Jacinda Ardern, a young, politically astute liberal, and her sudden rise to her party’s leadership in 2017. Ardern’s swift ascension disrupted the foregone conclusion that her political party was headed for a decisive defeat in an upcoming election.

Since President Joe Biden announced on July 21, 2024, that he would not run for re-election, Harris closed the gap in at least one major poll between Biden and Republican contender Donald Trump.

Harris also brought in a surge of donations and volunteer sign-ups, won support from 99 per cent of Democratic National Committee delegates and has been lauded for injecting joy into the campaign and for giving Democratic voters hope.

Ardern, similarly, became the leader of her party and a prime ministerial contender after New Zealand’s Labour Party leader Andrew Little, 52, saw no pathway to victory and stepped aside just seven weeks before the September 2017 election.

Ardern’s 11th-hour promotion gave the campaign a jolt of energy and infused it with what Ardern called “relentless positivity”. Ardern quickly unified her party and ultimately, when the votes were counted and a coalition formed, landed the top job as prime minister.

Ardern’s whirlwind campaign and tenure also shows some pitfalls other women leaders, like Harris, might face, including being compelled to appear as competent and likeable while fending off hateful attacks.

Harris donations and volunteer sign-ups surged after replacing Biden. Photo:........

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