The Italian American community is organizing a concerted effort to support the Harris-Walz ticket in the 2024 election through an initiative called “Paisans for Kamala.” Spearheaded by the Italian American Democrats, the campaign seeks to harness the political influence and cultural significance of Italian Americans, particularly in key swing states, to bolster the Democratic ticket.
Nancy Pelosi, a prominent figure in the Italian American community, will be a central figure in the effort. She will be joined by other influential Italian Americans, including actors Lorraine Bracco, Alyssa Milano, and Steve Buscemi, as well as political figures like Anthony Scaramucci. The campaign will kick off with a virtual event on September 8th, designed to rally support and raise funds.
Italian Americans represent a significant voting bloc, especially in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. In Pennsylvania, for example, they constitute over 15% of the population, many of whom live in crucial suburban and urban areas that could be pivotal in determining the election outcome. The community’s high voter turnout is seen as a potential advantage for the Harris-Walz campaign.
The initiative will also emphasize the Italian American tradition of supporting strong leaders, with a particular focus on women. Alyssa Milano highlighted this in a recent statement, noting the community’s history of standing by strong female figures, including Speaker Pelosi.
The virtual event, modeled after the Italian tradition of a Sunday family dinner, aims to foster a sense of unity and purpose among participants. According to Jim Rosapepe, Vice-Chairman of the Italian American Democratic Leadership Council, the goal is to not only raise awareness but also to mobilize the community to take concrete action in support of the Harris-Walz ticket.
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also voiced his support for the initiative, emphasizing the longstanding commitment of Italian Americans to justice and equality. The organizers hope that the event will draw additional high-profile supporters, further amplifying its impact on the 2024 election.
- Date: Sunday, September 8th, 2024
- Time: 6:00-8:00 PM Dinner
- Location: Virtual Zoom Call
- RSVP: HERE
