Harris picks up endorsements of 2 Congressional Black Caucus members | TheHill – The Hill

Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisAfter fractious Democratic debate, Perez tries to draw contrast to Trump Castro slams Trump Jr. as ‘coward’ for giving voice to questions about Harris’s racial heritage Why President Trump was the real winner of the Democratic debates MORE (D-Calif.) picked up endorsements from two Congressional Black Caucus members on Sunday following a strong performance in the first Democratic presidential debate late last week.

Reps. Frederica WilsonFrederica Patricia WilsonHouse hearing marks historic moment for slavery reparations debate Overnight Defense: Iran worries dominate foreign policy talk | Pentagon reportedly to send WH plans for 10K troops in Mideast | Democrats warn Trump may push through Saudi arms sale | Lawmakers blast new Pentagon policy on sharing info House Dem: Trump could start war with Iran to thwart impeachment MORE (D-Fl.) and Bobby RushBobby Lee RushChicago reopens dozens of cold cases with aid of computer algorithm House Dems propose billions in extra funding for environmental programs that Trump sought to cut A crucial lesson from the carnage in Sri Lanka MORE (D-Ill.) on Sunday became the fifth and sixth members of the CBC to endorse Harris, who is black. 

Harris has been competing with fellow Democratic contender, Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerBooker: Biden causing ‘frustration’ and ‘pain’ with his words Democratic debates didn’t knock out frontrunners — but Kamala Harris got a big boost 2020 Democrats accelerate push for action to secure elections MORE (D-N.J.), for endorsements from members of the powerful group.

African American voters are a key constituency in the Democratic Party and securing the support of black lawmakers would give a significant boost to either campaign.

Harris has seen her stock in the Democratic primary rise significantly since her debate performance in Miami, Florida.

The California lawmaker came out a big winner in polling and fundraising following what many considered a standout debate performance. 

Harris’s breakout moment came in a heated back-and-forth with Joe BidenJoe BidenBooker: Biden causing ‘frustration’ and ‘pain’ with his words After fractious Democratic debate, Perez tries to draw contrast to Trump Castro slams Trump Jr. as ‘coward’ for giving voice to questions about Harris’s racial heritage MORE during which she criticized the former vice president’s opposition to federally mandated busing to desegregate schools. 

“There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day,” Harris said to Biden. “That little girl was me.”

Biden called Harris’s criticism a “mischaracterization” of his views and said his issue was with the Department of Education administering busing policies. 

— Scott Wong contributed to this report.