Local NH reproductive freedom and racial justice groups pledge to back Harris

As Kamala Harris became the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic Party this week, local advocacy groups throughout the Granite State have been quick to back her up. 

Harris, who has received unwavering support from within the Democratic Party, after President Joe Biden decided to end his bid on Sunday, is a staunch supporter of reproductive rights, gun control, and affordable health care. 

“We are thrilled to join the fight to elect Kamala Harris as our next president—she has proven time and time again that reproductive freedom is a priority for her and we know she will build on that momentum as president,” said Kayla Montgomery, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Votes in New Hampshire. “Her commitment and vision to expand reproductive health care is a value that resonates with Granite Staters and we will do everything in our power to get her elected.”

Harris, the first woman vice president of America, is also seeing unprecedented support among people of color, and tens of thousands of Asian, Latino and Black women are mobilizing in support of Harris.

In New Hampshire, Harris is leading over former president Donald Trump by six points, according to a recent poll by Saint Anselm College Survey Center, with all 25 New Hampshire delegates unanimously pledging support to Harris. 

Echoing the same sentiment, Black Lives Matter New Hampshire said Harris’ candidacy is a moment of pride for people of color in the country. 

“Today, we stand at the precipice of history as we witness the unprecedented candidacy of Kamala Harris for the office of President of the United States,” said Journee LaFond, executive director of BLM NH in a news release. “This moment is not just a milestone in American politics; it is a testament to the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of Black women across this nation who have fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and representation.”

While BLM NH, is dedicated to supporting Harris, it wants to use this moment to bolster discussions on systemic inequalities and racism. 

“While we celebrate this achievement, we must remain vigilant in addressing systemic inequalities that persist within our political system,” LaFond said. “This candidacy should serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about healthcare, education, and social, and economic justice.”

Granite State Progress, a Concord-based organization that does research, advocacy and accountability work on critical local and state issues joined in extending its support to Harris. 

The organization believes Harris could carry forward the legacy of the Biden-Harris administration that passed historic legislations to lower prescription drug costs, strengthen the economy, improve infrastructure in the country, and address climate change and gun violence. 

“Kamala Harris has spent her whole career standing up for women and families and worked tirelessly to advance these wins and more for the American people,” said Zandra Rice Hawkins, the executive director of the organization. “We welcome Vice President Harris to the Presidential campaign and are eager to see the issue priorities and plans she rolls out over the coming months to strengthen our democracy and protect our freedoms.”