HOUSTON, Texas (KBTX) -Vice President Kamala Harris rallied an energized crowd of more than 30,000 people at the Shell Energy Center in Houston Friday night, making reproductive rights and health care her central focus with just days left until Election Day.
The event, part of Harris’s Texas campaign tour, highlighted her commitment to protecting women’s rights and bolstering Democratic Senate hopeful Colin Allred’s challenge against incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. With Texas at the forefront of the national debate over abortion, Harris emphasized the need for political change in the state.
“This is about freedom, about what is ours by right,” Harris said. “Our voices matter, our bodies matter, and we will not let anyone take away our rights.”
Harris was joined onstage by Allred, who echoed her message, particularly addressing female voters.
“Texas women deserve to make their own decisions, to have their voices heard, and to live in a state where rights are protected,” he said.
Superstar Appearances Add to the Rally’s Energy
The rally attracted national attention, especially with surprise appearances by Texas-born celebrities Beyoncé and Willie Nelson, each offering a different but impassioned appeal to voters.
“I’m not here as a celebrity, I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” Beyoncé said. “A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we’re not divided.”
The iconic singer, who did not perform, was joined by Kelly Rowland, her former bandmate from Destiny’s Child.
“Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations,” she added. “We must vote, and we need you.”
Willie Nelson performed several of his hits including “On the Road Again,” Nelson, a longstanding advocate for social issues, felt Texas was “at a crossroads.”
He added, “There’s no room for silence when people’s rights are on the line. This is a time to act.”
Actress Jessica Alba, who spoke earlier in the evening, also encouraged the crowd to rally around the cause.
“We’re fighting for something bigger than ourselves,” Alba said. “It’s about a future where every woman can decide her own destiny.”
Personal Stories From the Crowd
Attendees traveled from all corners of Texas and even neighboring states to attend the rally, sharing stories that revealed the high stakes they feel in this election.
Sharon Stone, Dallas Resident and Activist
Dallas resident Sharon Stone expressed her excitement about participating in what she described as a historic moment. “We’re going to see our next and future Madam President,” she said. Stone conveyed her belief in a shifting political landscape in Texas, stating, “Don’t write off Texas yet, because I feel a blue wave a-coming.”
Nathan Straubel, Colorado Supporter
Traveling from Colorado, Nathan Straubel described Harris as “the candidate of our times.” He says he believes that Harris advocates for everyday workers and women’s rights.
“Kamala Harris will fight for us. She’s fighting for the everyday worker. She’s fighting for the middle class. She’s fighting for women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and the rights of immigrants. This is the candidate for everyone,” Straubel said. “She can be that president that brings us into the 21st century hard, so America can be positioned as the number one country in the world again. And I think that she will lead us there.”
Ramon Rodriguez, Rural County Chair
Ramon Rodriguez, the Presidio County Democratic Party County Chair, highlighted the need for rural representation in the election. He emphasized that Harris’s visit is crucial for voter outreach across all parts of the state.
“I wanted to represent rural America. Vice President Kamala Harris has a plan for rural America. I needed to make sure that there was some representation, Rodriguez said. “We go out and canvas, call our friends, and just make a fine tune for everyone who hasn’t yet. Make sure they get a friend or something like that. That’s the only way we’re gonna be able to do this.”
Tina Winston, Ashley Haugen, San Antonio Residents
San Antonio resident Tina Winston brought her daughter Ashley Haugen to the rally, calling it an inspiring experience. Winston also pointed out the demographic shifts in Texas, saying more people are moving into Texas with diverse views. She feels that Allred represents the future of America.
“After Hillary didn’t get elected, I was disheartened by that and wasn’t sure when our next opportunity as women was going to come about. And then with the abortion bans that have been happening all over this country, it’s really important that as women, we stand up and show that we are united, Winston said. ““More and more people are moving into Texas. More and more younger people, they don’t see things the same way that older generations [do]. And statistically, there are enough Democrats in the state of Texas. If we all got out and vote, we would win and this would be a blue state.”
“I’m hoping to hear about what her plans are for the future and what her policy proposals are. I’m really excited to see what she’s gonna do and how she’s going to make the future better for my children and for your grandchildren,” Haugen added.
Isidro Garza Jr., Texas A&M Alum ‘73, Mechanical Engineer
Texas A&M graduate Isidro Garza Jr. viewed Harris’s candidacy as an opportunity for change. He emphasized that Harris’s platform aligns with the aspirations of many Texans seeking progress in various aspects of life, including education and housing.
“I’m hoping she underscores the choice that we have. It’s like night and day. I’m hoping that she talks a little bit of Donald Trump, ex-President of the United States, and the harm that he brings through his sense of criteria, which is centered around fear and control and dictatorship and power and money,” Garza said.
“There’s hope for a better tomorrow. And the hope is brought in by the entire enthusiasm and the level of competency that we have in our candidate for president of the United States, Kamala Harris,” Garza said. “Her platform represents hope, entrepreneurship for everyone, education for everyone, housing, fair housing for everyone, a better quality of life.”
A ‘Call to Action’ for Texas Voters
With the election rapidly approaching, Harris and Allred are counting on the enthusiasm generated at this rally to translate into votes, hoping for a shift they feel is needed in Texas and national politics.
The energy in the crowd was unmistakable, with attendees expressing excitement and hope for the upcoming election. Many felt that the rally was not just a campaign event but a pivotal moment for Texas politics. As the night concluded, rally-goers say they left inspired to mobilize their communities and make their voices heard at the polls.
The VP Harris Rally can be viewed below.
Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.
