Top Rhode Island Politicos React to Selection of Harris - Read What They Say

Governor Gina Raimondo Tweeted:

@KamalaHarris is a fearless fighter for justice and opportunity. She has been a lifelong champion for hardworking Americans, and she’s the right leader for this historic moment. We need to do everything we can to elect #BidenHarris2020.

Lisa Ranglin, Founder and President, RI Black Business Association:

Today marks a defining moment in US history as former Vice President, and presumption Democratic Presidential nominee, Joe Biden has named Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate.  This is a decision that I fully support.  

Kamala has shattered barriers to become the first Black woman to be on a presidential ticket for the United States of America.  As we work to repair racial tensions and create a more just society, I believe this pick is good for the county.  Black women have always supported the Democratic Party, and with Kamala on the ticket, we can look for a historical turnout.  The voices of Black women are often overlooked. This choice serves as an opportunity to shift the narrative of our underserved communities.  

Kamala Harris is the right VP for the moment, and she will mobilize and unify the party by helping to continue to spread the campaign’s message of unity and inclusiveness of all Americans from various backgrounds. Kamala is a fighter and she will make a great VP alongside with Joe Biden as President. I am happy that Kamala Harris has made history today. I am energized, and I will work as hard as I can to ensure our victory in November.  

Jim Vincent, President of the Providence Chapter of the NAACP:

I am absolutely thrilled that Kamala Harris has made history as the first Black woman to be chosen to run on a presidential ticket of a major American political party!

As a former presidential candidate, a sitting U.S. Senator, and a former Attorney General of our nation's largest state, Kamala Harris has a proven track record as a tough campaigner. excellent debater and proven winner!

Presidential nominee Joe Biden should be congratulated for picking someone from the backbone of the Democratic Party....Black women... who have voted over 90% for Democrats for decades and are very deserving of this historic moment!  
As a daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India who is also a graduate of a Historically Black College and University (Howard University) and a member of the Devine Nine (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) as well as the Links, Inc, Kamala Harris is an extremely diverse and very strong Vice Presidential pick!! 

In a turnout election, where if the Black vote approaches 2012 levels, the Democrats win....Kamala Harris was a very wise and prudent choice!!

Hilary Levey Friedman, President RI NOW (National Organization of Women):

Senator Kamala Harris is a bold, forward-thinking leader who is all in for justice, and for women. She also would be the first-ever person of color elected as Vice President of the United States.

Because people who identify as "feminist" are more likely to lean Democratic, we expect Senator Harris' intersectional identity as a woman of color to help turn out votes during this all-important presidential election and then continue to fight for all as the most trusted advisor to the President of the United States.

Sabina Matos, Providence City Council Chair:

The first reason why I am excited to see Kamala Harris as the VP is that she is a qualified person! Second she is a woman! Third she is a woman black woman with immigrant roots.

Sue Cienki, RI GOP Chair

Kamala Harris represents the progressive ideology of the Democratic party. She is for the green new deal, increasing taxes, unrestricted access to abortion, decriminalization of sex workers, Medicare for all, student loan forgiveness and free community college.

She wanted to create a federal “red flag “ law and background checks to combat domestic terrorism, she supports banning of  AR-15’s and mandatory gun buybacks and she would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to determine a “fair price for drugs meeting certain conditions."

Maria Rivera, Central Falls City Council President and Candidate for Mayor:

I think this is an excellent pick by Vice President Biden! Senator Kamala Harris has shown time and time again that she understands the needs facing our middle-class families in cities like Central Falls.  She is a strong leader who is setting a powerful example as the first woman of color to be nominated for national office by a major political party. I can’t wait to see her debate Vice President Pence!

The Biden/Harris ticket represents the change we need against the awful status quo offered by Trump/Pence.

Congressman Jim Langevin:

“Kamala Harris is an exceptional public servant who has the experience and values to lead our country effectively as Vice President of the United States alongside Joe Biden. As a former Attorney General and current Senator, Harris is an accomplished professional who has served with distinction and honor.

I am certain she is ready to lead and will help unify people, heal our communities, and help advance our nation during this difficult time. Now we must dedicate ourselves to doing everything within our power to ensure the democratic ticket is victorious in November and restores the soul of our nation through honest and trustworthy leadership at the White House.”