Kamala Harris’ recent campaign appearances have drawn attention, though not necessarily for the reasons her allies might hope.
Several Democrats have reportedly been reluctant to have Harris campaign alongside them, concerned that her association could damage their prospects in areas where progressive policies remain unpopular. Kansas Senate candidate Adam Hamilton is one example. Critics argue that some Democrats distance themselves from the party’s left-leaning agenda during campaigns, only to support it once in office.
Other Democrats, particularly those running in more liberal regions of California, appear more willing to welcome Harris’ support. One of them is Dr. Richard Pan, a former state senator seeking election in California’s 6th Congressional District.
Harris made a brief stop at Pan’s Sacramento campaign headquarters, where she delivered a nine-minute speech.
The visit quickly became controversial, however.
KCRA 3 reported that while outlets such as The Sacramento Bee and The Los Angeles Times were permitted to cover Harris’ appearance, the station’s news team was neither invited nor approved to attend.
A spokesman for Pan’s campaign told KCRA 3 on Friday night that the decision to exclude KCRA 3 and The New York Times came at the direction of Harris’ team.
For high-profile campaign events, news organizations are generally notified in advance and given an opportunity to request press credentials.
According to KCRA 3, that standard process was not followed for Harris’ appearance.
Outlets that were approved were simply informed by email or telephone that they could attend.
“All credentialing to the campaign office drop was directed by VP Kamala Harris’ office,” Pan’s campaign spokesman said.
A member of Harris’ team, speaking anonymously, disputed that account and said Pan’s campaign was “fully” responsible for press arrangements. The individual also said Harris had no communications staff members present at the event.
The conflicting explanations left Harris’ team and Pan’s campaign appearing to point fingers at each other.
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Neither campaign, meanwhile, took questions from the journalists who were allowed to attend.
The following day, KCRA 3 reporter Ashley Zavala tried to ask Pan about the controversy.
Former VP Kamala Harris and Sacramento area Democratic Congressional candidate Richard Pan blocked some journalists, including @kcranews, from covering their event at Pan HQ Friday.
I asked Pan today if that was the right move. He wouldn’t answer the question. pic.twitter.com/9ikwuuvbpE
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) October 3, 2026
Pan declined to answer when KCRA 3 repeatedly asked whether excluding certain journalists was appropriate, particularly as President Donald Trump has faced criticism for attempting to bar some news organizations from White House coverage. Pan said his campaign had not excluded any media outlets.
“We had media there,” he repeatedly replied. “I don’t handle the details of the press. My staff does.”
Pan did not make eye contact with the reporter and continued to emphasize that journalists had been present before being escorted away. His response left unanswered questions about who made the decision to limit media access at the event.
So what’s the explanation here, Democrats? And will CNN be covering this affront to the First Amendment any time soon?
I guess it’s (D)ifferent.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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