In the spring of 2020, as state Rep. Ted James battled COVID-19 in a Baton Rouge hospital, New Orleans City Council Member Helena Moreno reached out to Kamala Harris for support. Harris sent words of encouragement to James, which had a lasting impact on their relationship. The bond they formed with Harris paid off politically in 2020 when Biden dropped out of the race and Harris became the Democratic nominee.
Moreno, James, and other Harris allies in Louisiana quickly mobilized to secure delegate support for her presidential bid. They successfully whipped votes in favor of Harris, making Louisiana one of the first states to back her. Their efforts helped Harris secure the party’s nomination against Donald Trump.
Despite not being a swing state, Harris has strong ties to Louisiana, attending the Essence Festival annually and supporting historically Black colleges in the state. Both James and Moreno had personal connections with Harris, which led to their involvement in her presidential campaign. Their relationship with Harris has also been beneficial for their political careers, with James running for mayor of Baton Rouge and Moreno expected to run for mayor of New Orleans.
Both Moreno and James have worked closely with Harris on various issues, including criminal justice reform and grid recovery after Hurricane Ida. Their support for Harris has strengthened their political ties not only within the state but also on a national level. These relationships could prove beneficial in the future, especially if Harris and Biden win the presidency in November.
Source
Photo credit www.nola.com