Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Durham Thursday

Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Durham Thursday to meet with advocates and seniors about health care costs and attend a fundraiser hosted by the Democratic Party.

Harris this month cast the tie-breaking vote for the Inflation Reduction Act on health, climate and taxes, and President Joe Biden signed it. Harris’ staff told McClatchy that she plans to discuss how the law will lower health care costs.

Harris’ office has not yet said where and when the discussion will take place.

Matt Hughes, a Hillsborough town board member who lost a campaign for N.C. House, announced the fundraiser in an email Tuesday, and McClatchy independently verified it through a source familiar with the event. The event is also listed on the party’s website.

Hughes said the event is an attempt by the Democratic National Committee to keep the party’s control in Congress.

Currently, the U.S. House has 220 Democrats and 211 Republicans. North Carolina is represented by eight Republicans and five Democrats.

The U.S. Senate is made up of 50 Republicans, 48 Democrats and two independents who lean to the left, with both of North Carolina’s senators being Republican. Harris, a Democrat, casts tie-breaking votes.

Sen. Richard Burr announced he would not seek reelection after his current term, leading to a competitive race between the Democrats’ nominee, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, and the Republicans’ nominee, Rep. Ted Budd.

“As one of North Carolina’s Democratic National Committee (DNC) members, I’m proud of the efforts the DNC is making to keep the Congress in Democratic control,” Hughes’ email said. “Since my primary in May, I have been focused on ensuring Democrats are successful in this fall.”

Harris’ visit supports the Democratic Grassroots Victory Fund with tickets priced between $10,000 and $50,000.

The exact location of the fundraiser in Durham is being told only to ticket holders. The exact time is not yet being offered for security reasons, the source said.

Attendees must adhere to unspecified COVID-19 protocols.

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