Kamala Harris claims GOP 'cheating' ahead of midterms, says she's focused on stopping the 'madness'
Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped into the midterm election fight this week, telling a podcast interview that she believes Republicans are working to suppress voter participation through gerrymandered district maps and restrictions designed to discourage voting.
During her conversation with former U.S. Soccer star Megan Rapinoe on the "What Are You Like?" podcast, Harris emphasized that her focus has been entirely consumed by the 2026 midterms, saying, "Midterms, midterms, midterms, full-time occupying my thoughts, my mind and my work."
"Their strategy is simple," Harris told Rapinoe. "They're redrawing lines. They're trying to make it more difficult for people to vote so they won't vote because they are afraid of the power of the people." Harris accused Republicans of "cheating" in response to what she sees as threats to voting access.
To Harris, the solution is straightforward: Democrats must win back both chambers of Congress to "stop the madness" and restore functionality to government. "We have to win these midterms," she said. "Through the midterms, winning back Congress, the House and the Senate so that we can stop the madness."
When asked about her motivation for returning to the political spotlight, Harris reflected on her service philosophy. "I don't know how to live and not serve. I honestly don't. I just don't," she explained. "It's something I've come to terms with. I don't know how to, I just don't know a life without figuring out how I can help move the needle."
Harris indicated she wants to restore "some sense of sanity" and a functional government, adding that her focus for 2028 "doesn't matter if we don't win '26."
She also expressed support for Democratic candidates' strategic decisions about her campaign involvement, telling another interviewer, "we need to win, OK? Bottom line, we need to win."
Republican National Committee election integrity Communications Director Ally Triolo countered Harris's accusations, suggesting voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements represent common-sense measures. "If Kamala Harris is upset Republicans are going after the illegals and fraudsters trying to vote, it makes you wonder if she's taking crazy pills again," Triolo told Fox News Digital.
In separate comments, Harris told Fox News' Peter Alexander that Democrats must pursue any strategy necessary to win, saying candidates "know what they need to do to win, and I would expect nothing less." She added that she supports efforts to deliver "Lower costs, affordable healthcare, affordable childcare, you name it."
Rapinoe's interview also touched on women's athletics and broader social issues, with the soccer star noting historic progress in women's sports followed by what she described as "significant regression" in equal rights.
While Harris has not formally announced a 2028 presidential bid, her continued presence in the political spotlight has drawn both supportive and critical reactions from commentators and political observers.