Kamala Picks Up Endorsements From Who?
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is set to be the Democratic presidential nominee, has recently garnered notable endorsements from the mayors of several key border towns in Arizona. The mayors of Bisbee, Nogales, Somerton, and San Luis, all prominent communities along the Arizona-Mexico border, have thrown their support behind Harris. This backing comes amid increasing scrutiny from Republicans and former President Donald Trump, who are seeking to hold Harris accountable for the Biden administration’s border policies, given her role as the administration’s point person on immigration issues.
Somerton Mayor Gerardo Anaya expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to address the needs of border communities fairly, contrasting her approach with that of her opponents. “I trust her to meet the needs of border cities and towns without exploiting them for her own political gain, unlike her rival,” Anaya stated.
While the mayors from these border towns are not formally affiliated with any political party, they are leading cities that typically lean Democratic. Both Anaya and San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel are also supporting Rep. Ruben Gallego’s Senate campaign.
Interestingly, on the same day, John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, also endorsed Harris. Giles’s endorsement emphasized a commitment to principled leadership, echoing the legacy of former Senator John McCain’s philosophy of putting the nation’s interests above party lines. In an op-ed for the Arizona Republic, Giles praised Harris’s character and leadership, aligning her with the esteemed values of McCain and Senator Mark Kelly.
As vice president, Harris was responsible for managing diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of migration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This role has been a significant aspect of her tenure, particularly in the context of U.S. immigration policy.
Former President Trump, who has made immigration and border security central themes of his political campaigns since 2015, has criticized Harris’s handling of border issues. In a recent campaign ad, Trump’s team branded Harris as ineffective and dangerously liberal, underscoring the ongoing debate over her approach to border management.
