FLINT, MI – Vice President Kamala Harris made a pivotal stop in Flint, Michigan, on Friday as she competes for working-class voters who could play a decisive role in the upcoming election. Speaking to a crowd of around 5,000 energized supporters, Harris focused on union workers and key issues affecting the community, as the race with Republican nominee Donald Trump intensifies.
During her 25-minute address, Harris, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, pledged to increase federal investment in small businesses and housing. In a city known for its deep union roots, she emphasized her commitment to revitalizing the auto industry, ensuring future advancements in electric vehicle technology will be “built right here in America by American union workers.” The pledge was met with strong support from the largely union crowd, further highlighting her campaign’s focus on bolstering American industry.
Harris also invoked the memory of the Flint water crisis, a defining issue in the city. She acknowledged the 2014 crisis, during which the city’s water supply became contaminated with lead due to treatment failures, leading to long-term health and environmental concerns. Harris reaffirmed her dedication to clean water initiatives, saying, “As president, I will continue to work with communities like Flint to ensure you not only have clean water, but the opportunity to recover economically and thrive.”
Her visit to Flint came just a day after Donald Trump held a campaign rally near Saginaw, reflecting both candidates’ focus on Michigan as a key battleground state. Trump previously held a rally in the same Flint sports arena last month where Harris addressed supporters this week, underscoring the importance of the region in their strategies.
With Michigan historically playing a significant role in presidential elections, Harris and Trump are urging voters to utilize absentee ballots and early voting options. According to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, over 150,000 absentee ballots had been returned as of October 4, signaling strong voter engagement ahead of the November election.
As both campaigns ramp up their efforts in the crucial swing state, Harris’ message of economic recovery, union support, and environmental justice resonated with Flint’s residents, many of whom remember the water crisis as a turning point in their city’s history.
