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The State of Politics in America
As one of the most influential political strategists of our time, JAIME HARRISON offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how American politics really works—and where it’s headed. Drawing from his experience leading the Democratic National Committee, running one of the most-watched Senate races in U.S. history, and working across the highest levels of government, Harrison delivers unfiltered insights into the forces shaping today’s political landscape.
In this compelling keynote, he examines the machinery behind campaigns, polarization, policy-making, and power—while also offering a hopeful vision for how to restore trust, increase participation, and lead with integrity. With candor, clarity, and humor, Harrison invites audiences to think critically, act boldly, and stay engaged in the democratic process.
From Dirt Roads to the DNC: My Journey Through the American Dream
Born and raised in rural South Carolina by a teenage mom and grandparents who never finished high school, JAIME HARRISON knows what it means to dream big—and work even harder. In this deeply personal and motivational keynote, Harrison shares his remarkable journey from poverty and disadvantage to becoming one of the most influential political leaders in America.
With authenticity, warmth, and hard-earned wisdom, he reflects on the mentors, moments, and lessons that shaped his rise—from Yale and Georgetown, to Capitol Hill, to leading a national political party during one of the most consequential eras in modern history. Along the way, Harrison offers insights on resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and the power of believing in yourself—even when the odds say not to.
Key themes include:
Overcoming adversity and defying expectations
The power of mentorship, education, and opportunity
Staying grounded while rising in high-pressure environments
What it takes to lead—and inspire—through challenge and change
This is more than a story of personal success; it's a testament to what's possible when grit meets vision—and why the American dream must remain within reach for everyone.
From Drafting Bills to Whipping Votes to Lobbying: Understanding the Congressional Legislative Process
What really happens behind the closed doors of Congress? How do ideas become bills—and how do those bills survive the political gauntlet to become law? In this illuminating keynote, JAIME HARRISON pulls back the curtain on the legislative process, drawing from his extensive experience as a Capitol Hill staffer, vote-whipping strategist, campaign leader, and national party chair.
Blending storytelling with insider analysis, Harrison traces the full arc of political influence—from policy drafting and coalition-building to floor votes and post-Congress lobbying. Along the way, he shares hard-won lessons about navigating power, persuasion, and public perception in Washington—and how understanding this process is key to driving real change.
Audiences will walk away with:
A clearer view of how Congress really works
Insights into the formal and informal levers of political influence
Lessons on leadership, negotiation, and strategic advocacy
A renewed sense of how individuals and organizations can shape policy from the inside out
This talk is ideal for audiences who want to understand—and impact—the heart of American governance.
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Jaime Harrison is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in politics, government, strategic communications, and organizational management. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), he played a key role in reshaping public discourse, rebuilding the Democratic Party’s infrastructure, and addressing complex political and governance challenges both nationally and globally. He is the host of At Our Table with Jaime Harrison, a weekly podcast inviting America to pull up a seat for honest, unfiltered conversations about our nation’s challenges and hopes.
During his tenure as DNC Chair, Harrison oversaw the party’s operations, strategy, and national convention planning. Under his leadership, the DNC raised nearly $1 billion, expanded voter engagement efforts across all 50 states, and enhanced the party’s digital infrastructure. Notably, he led the DNC through the best midterm election performance for an incumbent President since the 1930s and managed the transition of the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nominee, marking one of the most unprecedented political shifts in modern history.
Prior to leading the DNC, Harrison made history with his 2020 U.S. Senate campaign in South Carolina, setting a fundraising record of $132 million, the largest ever for a Senate candidate. He also served as Associate Chair of the DNC and was the first African American Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party. In addition, Harrison co-authored the book Climbing the Hill: How to Build a Career in Politics and Make a Difference, a guide for aspiring political leaders, sharing lessons from his time as a top leadership staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served as Floor Director and Counsel for House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus.
Beyond his political career, Harrison has an extensive background in both the private and nonprofit sectors. As a Principal at the Podesta Group, he advised clients in industries such as transportation, defense, technology, and healthcare. He also served as Chief Operations Officer and board member of Peer Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing college access for low-income students.
A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Harrison overcame significant financial hardships to earn a scholarship to Yale University, where he studied political science. He later earned a law degree from Georgetown University. Harrison and his wife, law professor Marie Boyd, reside in Columbia, South Carolina, where they raise their two young sons.
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