In a remarkable move, March for Our Lives has announced its first-ever endorsement, backing Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
The group stated in their endorsement, “We need a staunch defender of democracy, an advocate for gun violence prevention, and a leader who will listen to young voices, include us in decision-making, and advocate for our future. We believe Kamala Harris is that leader and the right choice to champion our cause and fight for the country we aspire to have.”
Formed in response to the 2019 Parkland school shooting, March for Our Lives had previously refrained from endorsing political candidates. They played an important role in urging President Biden to create an office dedicated to addressing gun violence, which he established in September, with Harris overseeing it.
The group highlighted Harris’s commitment to gun safety, noting her regular engagements with advocates and survivors during her vice presidency. David Hogg, co-founder of March for Our Lives and a Parkland survivor, praised Harris’s leadership on gun violence issues, stating, “Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated herself to be a committed and influential leader who listens to young people and fights for our safety.”
They also pointed out Harris’s role in hosting the 2020 Presidential Gun Safety Forum with the Giffords group, which laid out a comprehensive gun safety plan. Giffords, founded by gun violence survivor former Rep. Gabby Giffords and Sen. Mark Kelly, is a prominent advocate for gun safety and a potential pick for Harris’s running mate.
With Biden’s withdrawal from the race and endorsement of Harris, she now stands as the likely Democratic presidential nominee.