The support of Kamala Harris has helped mainstream calls to decriminalize prostitution within the Democratic Party.

Some prominent Democrats have started advocating for decriminalizing prostitution, arguing that it is a legitimate career choice for women.

The issue of prostitution has shifted from being closely associated with the radical-left "Squad" to gaining increasing support among mainstream Democrats, including Rep. Jerry Nadler, who has publicly supported decriminalizing it in 2024. Meanwhile, other prominent Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have stated that they are actively studying their stance on "sex work."

In 2020, Vice President Kamala Harris publicly supported decriminalization, which refers to the practice of not prosecuting cases related to sex work, and boasted about her past refusal to prosecute such cases as a district attorney of San Francisco.

""As DA over 15 years ago, I advocated for stopping the arrest of prostitutes. I am a huge advocate for providing a safe place for sex workers," she said in a 2020 interview."

She was asked if she supported decriminalizing sex work and responded, "Yes, I think that when it comes to consenting adults, we should consider not criminalizing consensual behavior."

In New York City, Jim Owles' Liberal Democratic Club had questionnaires filled out by Democratic candidates, which revealed their support for sex work, as reviewed by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Bragg, the Manhattan DA, previously stated that he would use his prosecutorial discretion to decline cases involving prostitution, including those of buyers. Prior to his election, he believed that decriminalization was a matter of race.

"In 2021, he stated that he would not prosecute anyone accused of selling sex and would support the repeal of any laws related to this topic. Additionally, he clarified that he had no intention of prosecuting anyone involved in consensual sex."

If a White person is engaging in a sexual encounter, they may view it as a unique experience.

He stated that the interaction between a well-off white person buying sex from a poor person of color out of desperation is significantly different from that same person engaging in a commercial transaction, such as buying groceries.

In April, it was reported that many House Democrats collaborated with a left-leaning advocacy organization that advocates for decriminalizing prostitution.

The Republican Congressional Committee stated that it is dangerous and reveals the fraudulent nature of these lawmakers, who should never be reelected.

Years of calls to decriminalize marijuana from Squad members such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., have led to centrist Democratic support of the issue.

During the Trump administration, two laws aimed at combating sex trafficking were introduced, and AOC has publicly opposed them, arguing that online platforms should not be held responsible for facilitating criminal activities.

In 2022, AOC stated that the anti-trafficking laws pose a risk to lives.

And in 2020, she said, "Sex work is work."

Some locals were dismayed to learn that certain areas of AOC's Queens district were infested with prostitutes.

In March, Ramses Frías, a resident, told "Fox & Friends" that the area has become an epicenter of crime, prostitution, and illegal street vending, taking over many streets.

Residents in AOC's district reported seeing sex workers operating openly on street corners, even during the day when families with children were present.

Another member of the Squad, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., introduced a bill that would eliminate penalties related to consensual sex work, arguing that it is a matter of equity.

Governors from democratic states have enacted laws that hinder law enforcement's efforts to control prostitution.

In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 357, the Safer Streets for All Act, in California. However, critics argue that the law has encouraged brazen prostitution and sex trafficking on city streets. Law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in illegal activity due to prostitution rings.

At the time, Newsom's office believed it would revoke provisions of the law that have led to disproportionate harassment of women and transgender adults.

"The Governor's office stated that prostitution is illegal and sex trafficking is a serious and abhorrent crime. They also mentioned that they are closely monitoring the implementation of the law and committed to responding to any unintended consequences."

The amount of human trafficking activity has significantly increased, posing a serious public safety issue, as stated by Opal Singleton, president of anti-trafficking group Million Kids. Despite attempts to reverse the perceived harm caused by SB 357 in California, these efforts failed in the state's legislature in April.

A state senator who is a Democrat said she was "finished" with her colleagues after they did not pass a bill to make child prostitution a felony.

"As a progressive, proud member of this body for the past 12 years, I am done, said California Democrat state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman. "I'm done with us protecting people who would buy and abuse our children. I'm done.""

"Legislative leadership's failure to prioritize the safety of our children was due to their caving to political pressure, resulting in an unfavorable outcome," she stated.

In 2023, Maine's Democratic governor, Janet Mills, made history by decriminalizing prostitution.

An elected public advocate in New York State, like AOC, has stated that sex work is a legitimate professional career for women.

Jumanee Williams stated, "We must not only decriminalize sex work but also legalize it. Sex work is simply work, full stop."

Other prominent Democrats have signaled that they are studying the issue closely.

Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York stated that she would converse with decriminalization proponents regarding the issue.

"In 2021, she stated that she had thought about it and was considering it, and she was discussing it with advocates and people who had strong opinions on the matter."

In 2022, the office stated that Hochul was still closely discussing the issue with advocates and partners.

In 2022, Schumer stated in a questionnaire that he would need to review the specific legislation and hear from advocates on the issue before making a decision.

"In 2020, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., stated that sex workers, although they deserve autonomy like all workers, are particularly susceptible to physical and financial abuse and hardship. She added, "I’m open to decriminalization.""

No response has been received from the White House, Pressley, AOC, Bragg, Nadler, Hochul, Newsom, or Williams regarding requests for comment.

Planet Chronicle' Emma Colton contributed to this report.