Over a hundred Jackson residents, visitors and elected officials held a rally on Friday supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The rally took place hours before former president Donald Trump flew in from a Bozeman rally to attend a private fundraiser in Jackson the next day.
Teton County commissioner Natalia Macker and local democratic party chair Maggie Hunt put on the rally and requested permits to hold the event.
During a speech, Macker told the crowd that there’s a lot at stake this election, including women’s healthcare and the state of democracy.
“We’re here because it’s finally time for the United States to put a woman in charge,” Macker told rally attendees.
Hunt also spoke and encouraged attendees to vote the entire ballot this fall, with upcoming town council, county commission and school board positions open.
“I feel so gratified to see people taking time on a beautiful summer day to come and show their support,” Hunt said. “I’m also very happy at the reaction we’re getting from the passing traffic,” referencing the waves of honking cars driving by the rally.
Democratic representative Mike Yin, who represents Teton County in the state legislature, was pleased by the turnout at the rally.
He echoed Macker’s sentiment, adding that he feels the fall election has greater implications than who is in the Oval Office.
“People in Jackson are excited to vote for someone who actually believes in freedom, when it comes to your doctor’s office and freedom about what happens in your bedroom. And they’re happy that they have someone that they’re excited to vote for that isn’t a convicted felon,” Yin said.
The town square was filled with people of all ages chanting “Kamala” and holding colorful posters. Some slogans read “Childless cat lady for Kamala” and “Not going back.”
June Nystrom and husband Ron Weber stand with their handpainted signs. Nystrom, a retired art teacher, has lived in the valley for 43 years. (Jenna McMurtry / KHOL)
Longtime Jackson resident and former art teacher June Nystrom held a poster she made depicting herself with the words “First woman president — I have waited 70 years.”
Nystrom also said this rally was different from other ones she has attended.
“The most fun, joyful one I’ve been at. I just am thrilled with the energy here and seeing the young girls in their bellbottoms and the older ladies with all our white hair,” Nystrom said.
The rally coincided with former president Donald Trump’s flight into Jackson, with the rally kicking off a few hours before he was said to fly in from a rally in Bozeman. Trump was in town for a private luncheon to fundraise for his campaign.
