Virginia Democratic leaders view Kamala Harris as new energy in fight for abortion rights

RICHMOND, Va. — While she hasn’t officially been locked in as the official Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to reinvigorate the fight for reproductive freedom, one of the top issues for her party.

Since President Joe Biden endorsed her as the nominee, Harris has been receiving growing support from a swath of lawmakers. On Tuesday, the Virginia delegation to the Democratic National Convention said they will vote to nominate Harris for president.

Harris has been an outspoken proponent for abortion rights and healthcare access since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, which includes remarks during a rally in Manassas, Virginia. She emphasized how abortion became a driving force in the Virginia election that helped Democrats gain control of both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly.

“When you attack the rights of women in America, you are attacking America," Harris emphatically said in another rally. 

Although Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia expects Harris to tackle issues facing her constituents including the economy, she knows the future of reproductive rights will consume part of the election.

Spanberger believes Harris is the right person to lead the charge and is already sparking new excitement.

“I think just that change is going to bring a level of energy and we see it already,” Spanberger told WUSA9. “She's a vivacious, energetic, and a very human person. The sorts of decisions that a woman and her doctor may make, particularly in devastating times, there's no room for politicians dictating those choices.”

An Emerson College poll says 44% of voters in the Commonwealth want abortion laws that are less strict.

A Pew Research Center study shows more than two-thirds of Americans find abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

Virginia Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington County, believes Harris can deliver the fight stronger than Biden. Favola herself has pushed for new laws that protect women’s rights including helping pass a bill that keeps menstrual data away from law enforcement in Virginia.

“I think she's a lot more comfortable talking about the whole reproductive care aspect,” Favola said. “I mean she's a woman and I think that in and of itself gives her a platform. I know she respects and trusts women and believes women should have bodily autonomy.”

Pro-choice advocacy group REPRO Rising Virginia has yet to endorse a candidate.

“We need a candidate who believes that abortion is healthcare, a fundamental human right, and that everyone deserves access to the care they need when they need it,” said the organization in a statement.  

Executive Director Tarina Keene is imploring Democrats to choose someone who is unwavering in their support for abortion rights.

“Find a candidate that is unabashedly pro-abortion rights, that intimately understands what it means to be stripped of your reproductive rights and freedom,” Keene told WUSA9.