WASHINGTON ― Inside Secretary Deb Haaland on Wednesday threw her help behind Kamala Harris because the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, praising her report of advocacy for Indigenous folks and different marginalized communities.
“I wholeheartedly endorse Kamala Harris as our next President of the United States,” Haaland advised HuffPost in an unique assertion.
“Kamala has been a staunch advocate for Tribal people, for women, and for marginalized communities,” mentioned Haaland, talking in her private capability. “She has the strength to win and lead, and I will do everything I can to ensure her success.”
President Joe Biden made historical past in 2020 when he mentioned he deliberate to decide on Haaland to steer the Inside Division. She is the primary Indigenous particular person to ever function a Cupboard secretary, and the significance of getting a Native American lady atop the Inside Division — the company tasked with upholding the federal government’s belief and treaty obligations to tribal nations, along with managing 500 million acres of land stolen from tribes — is significantly profound.
“A voice like mine has never been a Cabinet secretary or at the head of the Department of Interior,” Haaland mentioned in December 2020, when Biden first introduced he would nominate her to the publish. “Growing up in my mother’s Pueblo household made me fierce. I’ll be fierce for all of us, our planet, and all of our protected land. I am honored and ready to serve.”
STEFANI REYNOLDS by way of Getty Photos
Whereas it’s not significantly stunning {that a} longtime Democrat and key member of the Biden administration is endorsing Harris for president, it actually sends a message to tribes and Native People nationwide that Harris has Haaland’s public blessing, simply months away from the November election — one which could possibly be determined within the margins.
Native American voters had been essential to Biden’s victory in 2020.
In her Wednesday assertion, Haaland mentioned she’s been humbled by working beneath Biden and that the easiest way to construct on his successes is to rally behind Harris.
“Serving under President Biden has been a dream that not even my ancestors could have imagined,” she mentioned. “His mentorship to me — the first Indigenous member of any President’s cabinet — is beyond measure. I can think of no greater priority than to ensure that the historic progress he has made on behalf of all Americans endures.”
