The Houston Chronicle, Texas’s largest newspaper, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The endorsement, written by the editorial board, highlighted Harris’ qualifications, career path, and commitment to policies that may resonate with Texans. They praised her emphasis on health care, business, and federal protections for abortion rights. The editorial board also commended Harris’ prosecutorial style, her stance on pressing issues, and her policy ideals that would benefit Americans. Harris was described as a beloved step-parent, and readers were encouraged to consider who they would trust to pick them up in a crisis: Harris or former President Donald Trump.
The Houston Chronicle’s endorsement of Harris adds to the growing support for her candidacy, with The Philadelphia Inquirer also publicly endorsing her. The reasons cited for endorsing Harris included Trump’s legal issues, the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot, reproductive rights, climate change, and other pressing matters. The endorsements come amid controversy surrounding major papers like The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, which have chosen not to endorse either presidential candidate this year. The Chronicle’s endorsement is expected to mobilize voters in Houston, a critical area in Texas, which is seen as a key battleground state.
The newspaper praised Harris for her independence, drive, and steely spine, qualities that are seen as essential for presidential leadership. They highlighted her commitment to affordable health care, support for small businesses, and advocacy for federal protections for abortion rights. Harris’ prosecutorial style was described as assertive and clever, and the editorial board accepted her change of stance on some issues. They also addressed Harris’ views on immigration and her policy ideals concerning housing and child tax credits for parents of newborn babies.
The endorsement article concluded by posing a question to readers: if faced with a crisis like rising floodwaters, who would they trust to pick them up, Harris or Trump? The choice was clear for the editorial board, who expressed their trust in Harris. The support from the Houston Chronicle is significant for Harris, who is working to expand Democratic inroads in traditionally conservative areas like Texas. Winning Texas’s 40 electoral votes is crucial for Harris in what is expected to be a closely contested election. The endorsement is expected to boost Harris’ campaign efforts and increase voter turnout in Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city.
The Houston Chronicle’s endorsement of Harris has drawn attention to her presidential candidacy and highlighted the stark contrast between her and Trump. The editorial board’s strong endorsement emphasized Harris’ qualifications, policies, and character traits that make her a suitable candidate for the presidency. The support from The Philadelphia Inquirer further solidifies Harris’ standing as a strong contender in the 2024 election. As the campaign heats up, endorsements from major newspapers like the Houston Chronicle will play a key role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing voters in critical swing states like Texas. Harris’s focus on policies that resonate with Texans and her commitment to addressing urgent issues have garnered support and could potentially secure her victory in the upcoming election.
