Election on November 8
California attorney general Kamala Harris gathered more support from the Democratic Part with US senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein endorsing her on Thursday.
Boxer and Feinstein joined the list of top leaders like President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Gov. Jerry Brown who have lent their support to the Indian American for the Senate seat being vacated by Boxer.
Harris and Orange County Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez are currently head-to-head in the running to win the Democrat-on-Democrat race for Senate seat. This is the first time that two Democrat minority women are fighting for the open seat.
“I said at the start of the race between Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez that they were both my friends and supporters. Therefore, I have stayed neutral. However, I also said that if differences developed that indicate that one candidate emerges as the progressive choice that I would endorse the individual. That day has come,” Boxer said in a statement released by the Harris campaign.
“California deserves a continuation of clear progressive leadership in the U.S. Senate. For almost 50 years, the seat that I hold has been a leadership seat on human rights, women’s rights, civil rights, voting rights, immigrants’ rights, fair trade, a clean environment and a voice for all families — no matter their circumstances,” Boxer added.
The decision of both the leaders came at a time when Loretta Sanchez and her supporters demand that party leaders should stay on the sidelines. But, the California Democratic Party is backing Harris as they have spent more than $560,000 for her campaigns and nothing for Sanchez.
“In this U.S. Senate campaign, Kamala has been a consistent voice of unity and optimism at a time when too many political leaders have tried to divide our communities along racial and religious lines,” Feinstein said in a statement.
“I wholeheartedly endorse Kamala’s campaign and look forward to having a strong partner in Kamala Harris serving alongside me in the U.S. Senate,” she added.
Meanwhile, Harris and Sanchez had a fierce senate debate on Wednesday as both the leaders argued over several topics including police shootings, rising crime, and higher education.
While Harris questioned Sanchez’s commitment to the job she is holding, Sanchez portrayed herself as the aggressor.
The November 8 election for the first open Senate seat in California in 24 years is creating history with the advancement of two Democrats to the final stage. With support from popular Democratic leaders, Harris is leading the contest to succeed Barbara Boxer, who is retiring after four terms in the Senate.