5 States You Should Consider Flocking To If Harris Wins in November

If you wake up on Wednesday, Nov. 6, to the news that Vice President Kamala Harris has been elected the 47th president of the United States, you might want to consider where you currently live and whether it might be advantageous to make a move. Certain states have existing economic and social policies that align well with Harris’ policy positions and stated goals. 

If you live in one of the following five states, stay put and enjoy the next four or more years. On the other hand, if your state is not on the list, you might want to consider placing a “For Sale” sign in the yard and moving to a state that better fits the possible administration’s overall goals for the next four years.

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes and the place to be if you appreciate progressive tax policies and want to live in a state with reproductive rights enshrined in the state Constitution.

As a candidate, Harris has touted her plans to raise corporate taxes and create new tax credits while eliminating federal taxes on tips. She has said she will not raise taxes on Americans who earn less than $400,000 a year and that restoring the expansion of the child tax credit, along with a new child tax credit of up to $6,000 for middle-class and lower-income families with a child in their first year of life, is a priority for her administration. Finally, she has proposed a significant increase — from $5,000 to $50,000 — for new small businesses and down-payment support of up to $25,000 for first-time homebuyers.

Minnesota has the country’s most progressive tax policies, while Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Vermont are also strong. It is also known as a a pro-choice state, particularly since many of the states that surround it have recently enacted abortion bans.

It is no surprise that The Golden State is aligned with Harris’ potential policies, including those related to the environment, tax policies, labor protections and more.

With a strong track record of environmental protections and supporting communities excessively impacted by pollution, Harris was a big proponent of President Joseph Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, which features several clean energy and electric vehicle incentives designed to reduce fossil fuel pollution and support sustainability. As part of the country’s role in the Paris Agreement, Harris’ administration would also have to determine how, when and where it will reduce environmental pollution.

To that end, California touts robust environmental protections and a deep commitment to combatting climate change, along with Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Florida.

The Land of Lincoln scores well on support for workers’ rights, which Harris has long backed. She recently said at a rally in Detroit, “We know that unions built the middle class” and cheered the strength of workers’ organizations. 

It also excels with its statewide focus on education. Calling education a “fundamental right” in her 2019 campaign kickoff, Harris has previously noted her desire for universal pre-K education and free college for certain federal jobs. She has also called for an increase in teacher pay nationally and supported the current administration’s plans to reduce student debt. Finally, she recently advocated for policies that would cut college degree requirements for certain jobs.

Illinois has voted Democrat in the last eight elections and has become a reliable blue state.

Another Democratic stalwart, New York aligns with much of Harris’ proposed agenda. In fact, it will be hard to find many places where statewide politics don’t match up with the plans that Harris has for the nation.

A commitment to education: check. A focus on protecting the environment: check. Workers’ protections: check. Liberal social policies: check, check, check. New York is among many East Coast states that match up with much of Harris’ potential agenda.

Small but mighty, Massachusetts comes through on progressive social and economic issues alike. It ranks first when it comes to Harris’ social issues and proposed policies, such as a woman’s right to choose, support for transgender rights and gay marriage, affordable housing and more. It was the first state in the nation to offer a right-to-shelter law, guaranteeing homeless people a place to sleep and the first to legalize gay marriage. If you are voting for Harris, you can’t go wrong with Massachusetts.

If you are curious about where your state comes in, a map of conservative versus liberal states can help you identify places you may want to move if Harris is elected president.

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