(The Hill) — Music superstar Beyoncé joined Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign rally in Houston on Friday, where the focus of the night was on reproductive freedom and the importance of voting.
Beyoncé — in addition to former Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland — was introduced by her mother Tina Knowles (known by Beyoncé fans as “Ms. Tina”), who discussed her hope that future generations of women would be off better than previous generations.
“I’m not here as a celebrity or as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” said Beyoncé on Friday night. “… Our moment right now, it’s time for America to sing a new song. Our voices sing a chorus of unity. Are y’all ready to add your voice to the new American song?”
Knowles introduced Harris, who took the stage and exclaimed, “Hey Texas!” The VP explained that she believes this election is about “fighting for freedom.”
“Texas, we have 11 days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime,” said Harris. “We are 11 days out from an election that will decide the future of America — including the freedom of every woman to make decisions about her own body.”
Musical artists Beyonce, right, and Kelly Rowland, left, on stage at a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Houston, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at a rally in Houston, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Musician Willie Nelson performing ahead of event for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Houston, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Supporters attend a rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan)
With Election Day just over a week away, The Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s polling index shows Harris trailing former President Trump by more than 6 points in the Lone Star State. Trump also campaigned in Texas earlier Friday.
Texas senatorial candidate Colin Allred appeared at Friday’s event, pitching his case to replace Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, whom Allred called himself “the opposite” of. The 41-year-old U.S. representative blasted Cruz for his actions during the January 6 insurrection, where Allred said “If you summon a mob, you gotta lose your job.” Allred also hit Cruz again for Cruz’s flight to Cancun during Texas’ 2021 winter storm, during which millions of Texans were without heat and power for days.
“We gotta make sure Kamala Harris is the next president of the United States,” said Allred.
The event also featured several accounts, both live and recorded, from Texans who say they’ve been negatively affected by the overturn of Roe v. Wade and the subsequent statewide abortion ban.
Harris discussed Texas’ restrictive abortion law, saying: “In some counties in Texas, they have passed travel bans to prevent women from going to other states to receive care. And we know how we got here. Donald Trump handpicked Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade… Many of these laws have no exemptions for rape or incest — which is immoral. And let’s be clear: one does not have to abandon her faith to believe that the government shouldn’t be dictating what she can do with her body.”
The VP explained that abortion laws are driving doctors out of states like Texas, creating poor health outcomes for all women, not just those who are pregnant.
Harris delivered one message to women in Texas and across the U.S.: “We see you and we are here with you.”
