By Trevor Hunnicutt, Gabriella Borter and Georgina McCartney
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump made unexpected stops in Texas, a traditionally conservative state, as part of their campaign trail. Texas, which hasn’t supported a Democratic president since 1976, is almost certain to give its 40 electoral college votes to Republican Trump.
However, Democrats see Texas as a strategic location for Vice President Harris to discuss abortion rights in the lead-up to the November 5 election. The state recently implemented a near-total abortion ban, making it a focal point for the discussion on reproductive rights.
At a rally in Houston, Harris was introduced by superstar singer Beyonce, who hails from the city. Harris emphasized the threat that former President Trump and Republicans pose to abortion rights, especially in light of recent legal developments.
Texas passed a controversial law in September 2021 that effectively banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy and allowed individuals to sue anyone involved in the process. The U.S. Supreme Court, with a conservative majority shaped by Trump’s appointments, upheld the law and later overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in June 2022.
Personal stories of individuals affected by the abortion ban were shared at the rally, highlighting the human impact of such restrictive legislation. The event featured musical performances by Beyonce and Willie Nelson, appealing to a diverse audience.
Meanwhile, Trump was also campaigning in Texas, recording an interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan before heading to Michigan for another rally. In his interview, Trump floated the idea of replacing income taxes with tariffs, a proposal that raised eyebrows.
Harris and Trump are locked in a tight race in battleground states, with polls showing a shift in support among women voters since Harris joined the race. Harris has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, while Trump has sought to appeal to moderate and independent voters on the issue of abortion.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has sparked a national debate on abortion rights, with Democrats gaining momentum on the issue. Personal stories and data showing the impact of restrictive abortion laws have been key components of the campaign.
Texas Democratic Senate candidate Colin Allred also appeared at Harris’ rally, underscoring the importance of reproductive rights in the upcoming elections. Harris has positioned herself as a champion of women’s health issues, drawing a sharp contrast with Trump’s stance on abortion.
Overall, the campaign events in Texas highlighted the stark divide between the two candidates on the issue of abortion, setting the stage for a heated debate in the final days leading up to the election.