Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris continued a string of campaign events in Pennsylvania as she hosted a rally at Wilkes University on Friday afternoon.

Harris, just days after her debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump, spoke to roughly 1,000 Pennsylvanians in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, which Trump won in 2020 by more than 14 percent. The Harris campaign is targeting rural areas of the commonwealth that typically lean Republican. Gov. Tim Walz visited Lancaster earlier this month and Harris’ campaign was the first to ever open an office in Ephrata.

Harris was introduced by Scranton native Mary Grace Vidala, who described herself as a lifelong Republican who can no longer support the party's nominee.

“Pennsylvania, it’s time to turn the page once and for all. That is why I am so excited to cast my vote for Kamala Harris in November.”

In her 25-minute stump speech, Harris laid out her promises to voters and echoed her vision for America that she has shared in campaign stops across the country and in the Sept. 10 presidential debate. 

Harris criticized Trump for pushing ideas from the “same old tired playbook” and said America is ready for a new generation of leadership.

“We are not going back because America is ready for a new way forward,” Harris said.

Harris made news by pledging to cut “unnecessary degree requirements” for federal jobs to allow more opportunity to adults without a college degree. According to data released by the Census Bureau in 2023, roughly 38% of Americans have obtained a bachelor’s degree. 

An analysis by the Philadelphia Inquirer, ​​published earlier this month, found that from 2016 to 2020, communities where less than 18% have a bachelor’s degree voted 32% more Republican. Earning votes from lesser-educated voters in rural areas like Wilkes Barre will continue to be a fight for the Harris ticket.

About halfway through her speech, Harris was interrupted by several pro-Palestinian protestors, who were quickly shouted down by others in the crowd and escorted from the venue by security. Harris responded by saying now is the time for a ceasefire and that she has been “working around the clock to get that done.”

“I respect your voice, but right now, I am speaking,” Harris said.

Harris’s speech was aimed toward middle-class Americans and the promise of her so-called “opportunity economy.”

“Small business owners are the backbone of America’s economy, which is why part of my plan will give a $50,000 tax deduction to start-up small businesses, Harris said. “I will always put middle-class, working people first.”

Before Harris took the stage, the crowd heard from several unannounced speakers including Wilkes Barre Mayor George Brown, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Bob Casey. 

Shapiro, who has become one of the most prominent Harris/Walz surrogates, surprised an enthusiastic crowd with his appearance. He expressed his gratitude toward Vice President Harris during the rally, stating that “she’s always been for the people.” 

Shapiro praised the “real freedom” of the Democratic Party in his speech  at the Democratic National Convention and said during the rally “We’re a nation that loves freedom. We’re a nation that cherishes democracy. We’re a nation that has always come together when things get tough, and we have always advanced the cause of freedom.” 

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who is up for reelection in November, criticized his opponent, Dave McCormick, and accused him of living in Connecticut while claiming to be a Pennsylvania resident. Casey and McCormick have agreed to multiple debates across the state, the first of which will take place in Harrisburg on Oct. 3. 

“He doesn’t understand our commonwealth, and he doesn’t understand the people that make our commonwealth great,” Casey said. “I’m going to win this race.”

“We’re going to continue to fight for [working class] families, tackle the fentanyl crisis and take care of our children and our seniors,” Casey said. 

With just over 50 days to go until the election and more than $400 million in advertising already spent, Pennsylvania’s politics will continue to be in the national spotlight.

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