Melinda French Gates Endorses Kamala Harris in US Presidential Race

Cochair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and one of the world's most noted philanthropists, Melinda French Gates has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for 2024, focusing on Harris's record on reproductive rights. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS reports that French Gates said she had made the decision to endorse because "what is at stake are rights themselves, particularly women's rights."

"I was very glad to support Kamala," declared French Gates. "I've worked with her previously, and she knows what our society needs. She's already using her platform to take on some of the key issues on the campaign trail, and I knew she would continue to do so." A lifelong advocate for women's causes, French Gates highlighted that Harris's position regarding reproductive rights figured largely into her decision to endorse her.

French Gates, who describes herself as an independent voter, stressed the significance of this election, stating, "I've voted both Republican and Democrat. But this election is about fundamental rights, particularly women's reproductive rights." She continued with striking difference that although Harris stood firmly for these rights for decades, those rights are rolled back during the term of former President Trump.

This endorsement comes amidst President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race for 2024, when Biden himself stated that he would be supporting Harris as a successor. French Gates, a long-time supporter of Biden, had indicated her support for Biden back in the day when concerns over past comments and policies by Trump on women's rights and reproductive freedom affected her decisions.

As a passionate advocate for reproductive rights, French Gates has always been vocal concerning the blows suffered by women's rights both around the world and in the U.S. This year, she set aside $1 billion to initiatives supporting women’s issues. According to recent trends, she said, "Women's rights have been rolled back both here in the U.S. and globally. It makes no sense to me that my granddaughter will have fewer rights than I had because of the decisions just rendered by the Supreme Court.”

French Gates is invested in a future with more women at the table in politics. She highlighted the importance of fundraising on behalf of female candidates and ensuring they are fully prepared to lead on key policy issues that promote the interests of women. "There are 7,000 seats at the statehouse level across the country," she said. "Getting women into those positions helps create better policies and serves as excellent preparation for national roles in Washington, D.C."

For over a year now, reproductive rights have been at the center of every political conversation since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, essentially gutting federal abortion protections. Harris has emerged as the foremost voice for that issue, rallying voters on women's rights and bringing renewed energy to the campaign trail in defense of reproductive freedom.