NBA superstar Stephen Curry recently announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention, citing women’s rights and a woman’s right to choose as his top issues going into the presidential election this fall. This is a significant shift in stance from where Curry was just two years ago when he did not consider himself pro-life or pro-choice. Curry stated that his support for Harris is important for him and his family, mentioning the inspiring women in his life as a key influence. He also noted that having interacted with Harris previously, he believes she is qualified for the job, making his decision to endorse her an easy one.
Curry has a history of supporting Democrats and following orders from key figures in the party, including endorsements of Joe Biden in 2020 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. He also revealed in a 2022 Rolling Stone interview that former President Obama once ordered him to publicly walk back comments he made suggesting the moon landing was a hoax. Curry ultimately accepted an invitation to tour NASA and clarified that his initial comments were meant as a joke. Additionally, Curry has previously spoken at the Democratic National Convention, with him and his wife Ayesha endorsing Joe Biden in 2020 due to reasons such as racial inequality and social injustice, with the added factor of Biden choosing a woman as his VP candidate that year in Harris.
In a personal essay to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Curry reflected on his Christian upbringing and credited his parents for instilling in him a belief in God. His mother, Sonya Curry, shared in her memoir, “Fierce Love,” that she considered an abortion while pregnant with Stephen and even went to a Planned Parenthood clinic. Despite this, she ultimately decided to keep him and expressed gratitude for how everything ultimately worked out. Curry’s upbringing and personal experiences have influenced his views on issues like abortion and the importance of understanding the complexities of political endorsements.
Curry’s endorsement of Harris also reflects his belief in the value of being politically active, even when faced with disagreement or criticism. He emphasized the importance of engaging in the political process and understanding that there will never be full agreement on every issue with any candidate. By actively participating in endorsing candidates and advocating for causes he believes in, Curry hopes to make a positive impact and support candidates he sees as qualified and aligned with his values. His decision to endorse Harris is based on his personal convictions, experiences, and interactions with the vice president, highlighting the intersection of personal values and political engagement in Curry’s decision-making process.
Through his endorsements and vocal support of candidates like Harris, Curry aims to use his platform as a prominent figure in sports to influence political discussions and advocate for issues that are important to him. By speaking out on topics such as women’s rights and supporting candidates who align with his values, Curry demonstrates a commitment to using his influence for social and political change. His reflections on his childhood, family experiences, and personal faith further inform his perspectives on political issues and underscore the complexities of navigating public endorsements while staying true to his beliefs. As a public figure, Curry’s endorsements and actions have the potential to inspire others to participate in the political process and support causes they care about, contributing to a broader conversation on the role of athletes in politics and society.
