U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Rallies Support for Harris-Walz Ticket in Tucson

U.S. Representative Barbara Lee visited Tucson last week to galvanize support for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Addressing approximately three dozen attendees at the Donna Liggins Neighborhood Center, Lee emphasized the significance of Arizona in the upcoming election. “This election runs through here,” she stated, highlighting the potential for the state to be a pivotal point in determining the outcome.

Lee, who has announced she will not seek reelection in her Oakland-area seat, has a rich history in politics that traces back to her involvement in Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign. Chisholm made history in 1968 as the first Black woman elected to Congress and later attempted to secure the Democratic presidential nomination, making strides for future candidates like Harris. “Can you imagine, from Shirley Chisholm to Kamala Harris?” Lee remarked, acknowledging the struggles faced by Black voters. “So many Black women, so many Black men, fought for this right to vote.”

During her speech, Lee cautioned the audience against a potential return of former President Donald Trump, warning that it could jeopardize significant social achievements, including Social Security, Medicare, and reproductive rights. She urged attendees to view this moment as transformative. “We’re going to move forward,” she insisted, urging unity against regressive policies.

At the event, Lee recognized Arizona congressional members Raul Grijalva and Ruben Gallego for their efforts. Grijalva is campaigning for reelection in Congressional District 7, while Gallego aims for a U.S. Senate seat against Republican Kari Lake. Reflecting on the tension during the January 6 Capitol riots, Lee praised Gallego for his actions that day. “We can’t go back with Donald Trump. We know how dangerous this man is,” she warned.

Mayor Regina Romero, who introduced Lee, praised her extensive activism. Romero acknowledged Lee’s impact on various demographics, including youth and working families. “We are indebted to you, and we love you so much,” she expressed. Romero, a co-chair of the Democratic Party’s platform committee, encouraged attendees to engage in the election process by communicating with their networks or volunteering to support candidates.

“You win Arizona through Tucson, you win Arizona through Southern Arizona,” Romero asserted, driving home the importance of local involvement in the election. Willie Blake Jr., a prominent union leader, also rallied the crowd, emphasizing the historic implications if Harris were to defeat Trump. “Can you imagine if this sister beat Donald Trump and then she’s black, too, and a woman?” he exclaimed. “Whoo – somebody’s gonna get mad. And it ain’t gonna be me.”