NEW YORK – California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, in a statement through The National Herald, called on Greek-Americans to go to the polls this coming November in order “to protect democracy.”

Ms. Kounalakis, who is considered one of the powerful figures in California politics and is one of the leading candidates for the Democratic nomination for Governor in the next election, expressed her belief that Democrats should be ready to fight, standing alongside the presidential candidate— and her personal friend— Kamala Harris, against Donald Trump and what his policies represent.

“Vice President Kamala Harris was in San Francisco last Sunday. She has been my friend for 22 years. We are 83 days away from Election Day, and due to the electoral college system, it will be a close race. The keynote speaker of the event was Nancy Pelosi, who emphasized we must do everything we can so that we don’t regret it the day after the election. We must organize, get out there, vote, provide resources, and do whatever is possible not only to elect Kamala Harris but also to prevent the return of Donald Trump, which would harm American democracy,” Ms. Kounalakis stated.

One of the issues that is prioritized both in Lt. Governor Kounalakis’ political platform and in the broader campaign of the Democratic Party is the looming threat to the constitutionally protected right of women to have an abortion following the infamous decision by the conservative majority of the Supreme Court in 2022. Despite the fact that Donald Trump avoids discussing the possibility of a nationwide ban, Eleni Kounalakis believes that the core agenda of the modern Republican Party could lead in that direction.

“We already have 22 states that have imposed total bans or significant restrictions. We see women dying in hospitals because doctors are hesitant to act, fearing lawsuits or imprisonment. This is outrageous. Many people have reason to believe that these rights will be taken away. Now that we see it happening in certain states, the public knows what could happen nationwide. J.D. Vance is talking about it, and we know that Donald Trump will do it—he will ban abortions. If you’re a woman, you understand what it means to have the government making decisions about your body. It’s unacceptable. When I talk to young women, I emphasize that significant progress in women’s rights that came with birth control measures. It allows you to decide if and with whom you want to start a family. It liberated women’s rights in the U.S. and worldwide. The Republicans want to limit women’s access to contraception too. In some states, they want to make divorce harder. These threats are real, and women are responding and fighting back, with many men by their side,” Lt. Governor Kounalakis emphasized.

Regarding whether Kamala Harris—who has not had the same close connection with the Greek-American community as Joe Biden had in the past—could be a President who would have a positive outlook on Greek national issues, Eleni Kounalakis referred to the relationship Harris has developed with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“During her tenure as Vice President, Kamala Harris has met with more than 150 foreign leaders. She and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have developed a significant friendship. I know that the Vice President considers transatlantic relations and the NATO alliance to be a very high priority,” Eleni Kounalakis noted, sending her message to Greek-American voters ahead of November.

“As Greek Americans, we are blessed with the history of Athenian democracy as part of our birthright. We know that democracy can sometimes be inefficient and messy, but it is always better than dictatorship and autocracy. I hope Greek Americans remember this when we go to the polls in November,” Eleni Kounalakis concluded.

With the support of Hillary Clinton

Given that, according to current law, the current Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, cannot seek re-election in 2026, the succession race leaves the path open for Eleni Kounalakis to pursue the Democratic nomination.

Ms. Kounalakis, who, if elected, would become the first female Governor in California’s history, has already garnered significant political and financial support, with her candidacy backed by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former California Senator Barbara Boxer.

“I announced my candidacy a year ago. I have the support of leaders like Hillary Clinton and Barbara Boxer. We are doing very well with donor support. As the next Governor of California, I want to continue our vision for the future. We Californians are united in the fight against climate change, modernizing infrastructure, building more housing, addressing the consequences of extreme weather events like fires, floods, and droughts, as well as tackling the causes of inequalities in our state,” Ms. Kounalakis said, reminding that California has the 5th largest economy in the world.