At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, Congresswomen voiced their unwavering support for Vice President Kamala Harris, rallying behind the historic Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket ahead of the 2024 presidential election. With a theme of “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” this year's conference underscored the importance of protecting democracy, economic opportunity, and civil rights, all issues that Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have championed on the national stage.

California Senator Laphonza Butler, a long-time ally of Kamala Harris, underscored the importance of Harris' leadership in this pivotal election cycle. "This is one of the most important elections of our lifetime," Butler remarked. "Having a leader that I have known and trusted for more than a decade at the top of the Democratic ticket is incredible. Kamala brings a lived experience that is unlike anyone who has held the office before her.” Butler emphasized the urgency of rallying behind Harris, saying, "This is the most important thing I could be doing right now, and I want to encourage and inspire those who haven't yet made up their minds to join us in this historic moment."

Harris' rise to power is historic and deeply personal for many Americans, especially Black women. She made history as the first woman, Black and South Asian woman to serve as vice president. As the Democratic nominee for president, her candidacy carries even greater significance. Her lived experience as a Black woman, Butler highlighted, is what sets her apart: "She is the kind of leader that America needs in this very moment... someone who's prepared to actually lead on policy that truly speaks to and reflects the words of the American people."

Rep. Nikema Williams, representing Atlanta, Georgia, the seat once held by the late civil rights icon John Lewis, stressed her state's critical role in the 2024 election. As a key swing state, Georgia could very well decide the presidential race's outcome. "I understand my obligation to make sure that people not only turn out to vote, but that their votes are counted," Williams said, emphasizing the high stakes for voter turnout.

Heightening the sense of urgency is a recently introduced rule in Georgia that could enable local election boards to decline certification of results, sparking concerns as the November election approaches. This development could complicate the already intense battle in the crucial swing state. "We have a leader in Kamala Harris who will be a president for all of America," Williams asserted, determined to ensure that Harris garners the support needed in Georgia. As the first Black woman to chair the Democratic Party in the state, Williams vowed to continue working tirelessly in battleground Georgia to mobilize voters.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who represents Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District, also expressed her hope and excitement for Harris at the top of the ticket. "We could never underestimate the power of having the first woman, the first Black woman—that is historic," Pressley said. "Many people see themselves reflected in Kamala, in her story, in her upbringing. I've engaged voters everywhere from Pennsylvania to Alabama to New Hampshire. I'll be getting back on the road shortly, but the enthusiasm on the ground is palpable. The enthusiasm on the ground is palpable, but we still have a lot of work to do."

For Pressley, this election is about more than just electing Harris—it’s about the survival of Black communities and the future of democracy itself. “We have to continue to organize, mobilize, and vote as if lives depend upon it, because they do." She contrasted Harris' vision for a just, inclusive America with what she sees as the dangerous agenda of former President Donald Trump: "They want to control every aspect of our lives. They want to ban books. They want to ban bodies. They want to dismantle the Department of Education."

California Representative Maxine Waters, a trailblazer in her own right, underscored how Harris has been preparing for this moment for her entire career. "In many ways, she's been on this path for a long time," Waters noted. "A woman who is very competent, who is experienced, who understands the law... she truly in her heart believes that the people deserve better."

Waters, who has been actively campaigning on behalf of Harris, expressed her optimism about the future: "I am optimistic, very optimistic that we can make it happen. We can make Kamala the president of the United States of America and Tim Walz her vice president."

As the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual conference spotlighted the urgent need to safeguard Black progress and democracy, the collective support from these Congresswomen for Kamala Harris was clear. For them, Harris is not just a candidate but a beacon of hope, representing a future that is more just, inclusive, and reflective of all Americans. The stakes couldn't be higher, and Harris is poised to make history again with their support.

Clay Cane is a SiriusXM radio host and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans From the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump.