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When Selena Gomez hopped on a video call with Kamala Harris back in 2020, people kinda lost their minds. It wasn’t just the "pop star meets politician" trope we’ve seen a thousand times. It felt... different. Honestly, it was the start of a multi-year bridge between Hollywood influence and White House policy that most people didn't really expect to last.
But here we are in 2026, and that connection hasn't faded. It’s actually deepened into something much more substantial than a quick Instagram post for likes.
The Interview That Started Everything
Back in October 2020, Selena sat down for a virtual chat with Harris, who was then a Vice Presidential candidate. Selena was super candid. She admitted that, in the past, she wasn't very educated on the voting process.
"The past four years, I've experienced a lot and I feel my vote counts more than ever," she told Harris.
It was a big moment for her fans. Selena isn't just a singer; she’s someone who has been brutally honest about her health. During that talk, Harris brought up something personal: lupus. Harris’s own sister, Maya, has it. This wasn't a scripted political talking point. It was two women talking about a chronic illness that disproportionately affects women of color.
Harris basically promised that the Biden-Harris administration would fight to expand the Affordable Care Act to cover "the neck up"—meaning mental health. This resonated deeply with Selena, who had just launched Rare Beauty with the goal of raising $100 million for mental health services.
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Mental Health as a Shared Mission
If you thought that 2020 call was a one-off, you’ve probably missed what happened in the years following. In May 2022, Selena headed to the White House for the first-ever Mental Health Youth Action Forum.
She wasn't there to perform. She was there as a founder and an advocate.
She joined Harris and other officials to talk about "destigmatizing" the conversation. Basically, they wanted to make it okay to talk about not being okay. Selena’s Rare Impact Fund became a key player in these discussions. It wasn't just about awareness anymore; it was about getting actual resources into schools and communities.
The Fortune Summit and Beyond
Fast forward to late 2025. Selena Gomez and Kamala Harris both appeared as speakers at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C.
Think about that for a second.
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You have a woman who built a billion-dollar beauty empire (Rare Beauty) and a woman who has served as Vice President, sharing a stage to discuss leadership. By this point, the narrative had shifted. It wasn't just "Selena supports Kamala." It was "these are two of the most influential leaders in the country, and they happen to be aligned on some of the biggest social issues of our time."
What Really Happened in the 2024 Election?
There was a lot of chatter during the 2024 election cycle about whether Selena would officially "endorse" Harris in a big, flashy way. While other celebs like Ariana Grande were posting selfies with "I Voted for Kamala" captions, Selena played it a bit differently.
She was more about the act of voting itself. She posted a TikTok of herself dropping off her ballot on her way to the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place premiere. She was literally in a red carpet glam gown, hitting the ballot box.
"Can’t go to the premiere without voting," she said.
She didn't need to scream a name. Her history with Harris and her public advocacy for the administration’s mental health initiatives spoke for themselves. She used her platform to push the "stay in line" message, encouraging her millions of followers to stick it out through long queues.
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Why This Matters for 2026 and the Future
So, why are we still talking about this?
Because the partnership between Selena Gomez and Kamala Harris set a new blueprint for celebrity political involvement. It moved away from "vote for my person" and toward "help me change this specific law."
- The Rare Impact Fund: This remains one of the most successful examples of a celebrity-led philanthropic effort working alongside government goals.
- The Youth Vote: Harris has repeatedly praised Selena for reaching a demographic that usually tunes out political jargon.
- Authenticity: In her book 107 Days, Harris talks about the importance of being "authentic unto themselves." Selena is the poster child for that.
Common Misconceptions
People often think these interactions are purely handled by PR teams. While there is definitely a lot of coordination, the personal connection over lupus and mental health is documented and real. It’s a shared struggle that gave their professional relationship a lot of credibility.
Also, some critics argue that Selena's involvement is "performative." But if you look at the $100 million goal of the Rare Impact Fund and the actual legislative discussions she’s participated in, that argument falls apart pretty quickly. She’s putting her money—and her time—where her mouth is.
Actionable Steps for You
If you’re looking to get involved in the causes these two have championed, here’s how you can actually make a move:
- Support the Rare Impact Fund: You don't just have to buy makeup. You can look into their educational resources for mental health support in schools.
- Check Your Voting Status: As Selena says, not voting isn't an option. Even in non-presidential years, local elections for school boards and city councils affect mental health funding and local healthcare access.
- Educate Yourself on the "Neck Up" Policy: Look into how current healthcare laws handle mental health. If you feel there's a gap, contact your local representatives.
- Practice Self-Advocacy: Both women emphasize the power of your own story. Whether it's mental health or a physical illness like lupus, sharing your experience can actually shift policy if it reaches the right ears.
The link between Selena and Kamala is a reminder that influence is most powerful when it’s focused on a specific, human goal. It’s not just about the next election; it’s about the next generation’s well-being.