**Kamala Harris' Congressional Ties Could Be Key to Legislative Success if Elected President**

In an election that could see Kamala Harris become the first female president of the United States, her past connections and relationships built during her time as a U.S. Senator could prove pivotal in navigating the political landscape. Representing California, Harris spent four years in the Senate forming strong bonds with various members, relationships that might help her confront the challenges posed by staunch Republican opposition.

During her Senate tenure, Harris gained national attention and support for her rigorous questioning of then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, showcasing her prosecutorial prowess. This moment became a significant highlight for Democrats advocating for abortion rights, with Harris famously asking Kavanaugh if he could identify any laws regulating male bodies. Despite receiving criticism from then-President Donald Trump, who labeled her "extraordinarily nasty," Harris' actions cemented her reputation as a fierce advocate.

Harris has frequently interacted with Congress in her role as vice president, particularly during the first two years of the Biden administration when she cast more tie-breaking votes than any of her predecessors. Eager to forge stronger ties with the House, she has enlisted numerous House members as campaign surrogates. These efforts are partly aimed at engaging lawmakers who felt overlooked by the Biden campaign or found Harris less accessible when she was a senator.

Throughout her career, Harris has developed significant alliances with important Democratic figures such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and fellow senators including Catherine Cortez Masto, Tammy Duckworth, Maggie Hassan, Cory Booker, and others. Cortez Masto and Harris' friendship dates back to their tenure as attorneys general, collaboratively winning a $20 billion settlement against big banks after the 2008 financial crisis.

If elected, Harris will face the tactical challenge of advancing her legislative agenda in a potentially divided Congress. Legislative decisions will need to surpass the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, and Harris has indicated support for adjusting the filibuster to address essential issues like abortion rights. If Republicans gain control in either chamber, she will have to negotiate deals and contend with aggressive oversight from conservative lawmakers. This could also hinder the confirmation of key appointees for her Cabinet and judicial positions.

Her relationships with senators from both parties, including moderates such as Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Todd Young, and Bill Cassidy, might become crucial in fostering bipartisan cooperation. Former Senator Jeff Flake, now the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, highlighted Harris' bipartisan approach during efforts to extend protections for young immigrants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

In the House, Harris' notable connections include a longstanding relationship with Jeffries through the Congressional Black Caucus and alliances with prominent figures in the Congressional Hispanic and Asian Pacific American Caucuses. Rising Democratic stars like Robert Garcia, Jasmine Crockett, and Nikema Williams view Harris as a mentor, a role she is likely to continue if she ascends to the presidency.

Harris' strategic staffing choices also signify her intention to maintain strong links with Congress. Her current director of legislative affairs is Andy Flick, who previously executed leadership roles within the centrist New Democrat Coalition.

The relationships she has nurtured and the alliances she has forged throughout her career will be instrumental as Kamala Harris awaits the potential opportunity to leverage her congressional ties to foster legislative success and overcome the anticipated challenges of her presidency.