On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris voiced her support for abolishing the filibuster to restore the abortion rights that were protected by Roe v. Wade if she secures the presidency and if Democrats gain control of Congress.

“I believe we should eliminate the filibuster in relation to Roe,” stated Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, during an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio. “This would mean that we would only need 51 votes to reinstate the laws that protect reproductive freedom.”

The Democrats are facing significant challenges to reclaim control of the House of Representatives, hold their ground in the Senate, and win the presidency, with the Senate being particularly competitive, relying on three crucial races.

In her discussion, Harris expressed confidence that Democrats are well-positioned to retain the Senate and potentially regain the House.

However, some lawmakers on Capitol Hill, like Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.V.) and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Az.), are against the idea of abolishing the filibuster, and both are set to retire.

Manchin stated on Tuesday that he would not support Harris due to her position on the filibuster. He had not endorsed her before this comment.

“Shame on her,” Manchin remarked to CNN. “She understands the filibuster is crucial for democracy. It’s what enables us to communicate and collaborate. Removing it would lead to a highly dysfunctional House.”

Abortion and reproductive rights are central themes in Harris’ campaign as she competes against former President Donald Trump in a closely contested race for the presidency.

Recently, Harris also urged for the restoration of abortion rights in Georgia following a ProPublica report about the tragic case of Amber Thurman, a 28-year-old pregnant woman who died due to complications arising from new abortion restrictions. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, removing the constitutional right to an abortion.

Last week, Harris traveled to Wisconsin after visiting Georgia, both of which are critical battleground states for the upcoming election, and she emphasized the importance of abortion rights.

Contributors: Erin Mansfield, Riley Beggin and Joey Garrison