Lessons from the Campaign Trail: A Conversation with Jen O'Malley Dillon

Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School
79 JFK St.
Cambridge
Wed., Sep. 16, 2026, 1 – 2 p.m.



What does it take to manage a presidential campaign through one of the most consequential and unpredictable election cycles in American history—and what can the lessons of 2024 tell us about the campaigns ahead? Join the Institute of Politics for a candid lunchtime conversation with Jen O’Malley Dillon, former Campaign Chair for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, as she reflects on the decisions, challenges, and turning points that shaped the campaign.

Drawing on her experience at the highest levels of Democratic campaign management, O’Malley Dillon will discuss the evolving demands of political campaigns, from the 2024 presidential race to the 2026 midterms and the road to 2028. The conversation will explore how technology, data, changing voter coalitions, and a rapidly shifting political landscape are reshaping campaign strategy—and what the next generation of campaign managers can learn from the cycles ahead.

Lunch will be served.

Gazette Classification: Education, Special Events
Organization/Sponsor: Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School
Speaker(s): Jen O'Malley Dillon , Former Campaign Chair for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024
Cost: Free
Ticket Web Link: iop.harvard.edu…
Contact Info: [email protected]
Harvard Key Required: No
More info: iop.harvard.edu…