Kamala Harris’ celebrity supporters: Who are the big names behind the Democratic candidate?

Particularly after Donald Trump entered politics, the role of celebrities in American political life has been elevated. Though celebrities have always had a platform to express their views, their endorsements carry new weight for campaigns that hope to attract as many from respected members of the celebrity class each election cycle. The importance of these endorsements raises many questions, as famous people operate in a very different world than the average American household, and their priorities, especially regarding economic policy, can diverge. For instance, wealthier individuals may support socially progressive policies like securing access to abortion and same-sex marriage. Still, as far as taxes are concerned, they could be looking to endorse candidates who will not increase taxes on them.

As the Republican party has moved further to the right, Democrats have been able to attract many more endorsements from celebrities who may consider themselves centrists but, above all, liberals.

Charli XCX

One of the biggest names in electronic music, Charli XCX, who happens to be English and thus ineligible to vote in the US elections in November, has endorsed Kamala Harris.

Her newest album, Brat, has received high acclaim from critics, and the term and her definition have integrated themselves into the popular vocabulary of some groups within the queer community. After Harris announced her intention to seek the Democratic party’s nomination, Charli XCX tweeted, “kamala IS brat,” which ignited the internet and attracted many young voters to the Harris campaign. Some of the songs from the album have been blasted at Harris’ events, much to the crowd’s delight.

However, not all of Charli’s fans are pleased to see her endorse a candidate that has close allegiance with President Biden and his disastrous policy towards Israel as they carried out what many experts name a genocide.

Others in the music industry

This week, the rapper Quavo, who lost one of the members of his trio to gun violence, was seen stumping for Harris.

Cardi B, who had endorsed Bernie Sanders in 2020, has endorsed Harris and has attacked Donald Trump in a few posts on X.

Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X, Jannelle Monáe, and Olivia Rodrigo are other major endorsements for the Harris campaign as they work to increase the presumed Democratic nominee’s support among younger voters. Most of these musicians have posted to their Instagram stories that they stand with her, and could be expected to be seen on the campaign trail.

Carole King was also quick to jump on the Harris train, posting a photo of them together with the caption “Right person. Right time. I stand with Kamala Harris.”

John Legend, who has long been a prominent celebrity supporter of the Democrats, posted on Instagram that he would be supporting Kamala Harris after President Biden bowed out of the race.

Lizzo posted a clip of the speech President Biden gave explaining his decision to drop out, and in the same video stated that she would be supporting Harris.

What about film and TV?

There is no shortage of television and film stars who have eagerly announced their support for Kamala Harris.

Academy Award-winning actor Mark Ruffalo, who has been critical of President Biden’s policy toward Israel and has called for a permanent ceasefire, has endorsed Harris. Writing on Instagram, Ruffalo welcomed Harris’s tone toward Israel, which has been more critical in public than that of President Biden.

TV and film star Jessica Alba was also quick to announce her support for Harris, writing on Instagram: “I‘ve been riding with you for a hot minute - excited for you to make history @kamalaharris ❤️ Let’s gooooo 👊🏽!”

This week, actor Jeff Bridges came out supporting Harris on a ‘White Dudes for Harris call”, saying “I’m white, I’m the Dude, and I’m for Harris.”

Similarly, Connie Britton, beloved by many for her role in Friday Night Lights, was heard from on a Women for Harris call.

Young and the Reckless star Eric Braeden also posted on X that no one should be confused about who he would be supporting in November, writing, “I AM IN FULL SUPPORT OF KAMALA HARRIS, should she run for the highest job in the country!” This post was made before President Biden made his announcement.

Primetime Emmy and Golden Global winner Sterling K. Brown has endorsed Harris, speaking at a virtual event earlier this week as well.

Kerry Washington, known for her role in Scandal and Little Fires Everywhere, has also posted on X about her support for Kamala Harris.

More endorsements will be announced as we inch closer to election day, so check back.