Local Virginia advocates weigh in on key Kamala Harris policies

Many policymakers and local issue groups have expressed their support for Kamala Harris as she works to get her name on the ballot for the 2024 election.

After serving for three years as Vice President, Kamala Harris recently became the presumptive Democratic nominee for this year’s election. All eyes are now on Harris, with an emphasis on her vision for America and forward-looking policy agenda.   

Many local Virginia politicians and issue groups expressed their support for Harris’s policies since news first came of President Joe Biden’s endorsement for the current VP.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan stated on X, “Vice President Harris is a champion for reproductive freedom, civil rights, and a fair economy that leaves no one behind.”

Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat serving parts of Loudoun County, shared his view with Dogwood during an interview. 

“I think she (Harris) would be so much better when it comes to protecting our democracy, protecting women’s healthcare and health choices, and keeping our community safe from gun violence,” Subramanyam said.

Some of Harris’s most prominent policies hinge on the protection of reproductive rights and affordable contraception nationwide. 

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump suggested he was open to putting restrictions on birth control access before walking back his comments, and Trump’s running mate, JD Vance has said he is open to a national abortion ban.

Chris Fleming of Americans for Contraception discussed Harris’s dedication to preserving reproductive rights.

“Vice President Harris spearheaded the efforts to expand contraception access for veterans, federal workers, and college students and championed the creation of a White House Task Force that advanced the first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill,” Fleming said in part in a media release.

Fleming also described Vice President Harris as being “a driving force” behind reproductive rights and their progress.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has consistently championed reproductive rights, taking concrete steps like restoring Title X funding, reversing harmful Trump-era rules, and issuing executive orders to improve contraception access and ensure no-cost contraception under the Affordable Care Act,” Fleming continued.

On the issue, Harris recently stated: “Now, in the South, where the majority of Black women live, every state except for Virginia has a ban—and Trump proudly takes credit for overturning Roe. Make no mistake: If he gets the chance, he will sign a national abortion ban and outlaw abortion in every single state. But we are not going to let that happen.”