Vice President Kamala Harris has made history by securing the Democratic presidential nomination. She is the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major party’s ticket.
Harris’ Historic Nomination Confirmed
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison confirmed Harris’s nomination on Friday. “We will rally around Vice President Kamala Harris and demonstrate the strength of our party,” Harrison stated. The online voting process continues until Monday, but Harris has already received the majority of delegate votes. She surpassed the necessary threshold, receiving over 2,350 votes.
“I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States,” Harris said in a phone call with supporters. She emphasized the campaign’s dedication to the promise of America.
The Democratic National Committee held a virtual roll call for delegates to vote for Harris starting Thursday morning. Despite the voting process continuing until Monday, Harris had already secured enough support to win the nomination. Harrison celebrated the moment during a livestream, stating, “Today, my friends, is special because we can proudly say that we will have the first woman of color at the top of a major party ticket.”
President Joe Biden endorsed Harris after he decided not to seek re-election, catapulting her to the forefront. She quickly gained backing from prominent party leaders, including former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Next Steps
Harris is expected to finalize her nomination by August 7, ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month. The accelerated timeline is crucial for ballot access deadlines, especially in states like Ohio. “The formal nomination is expected to be finalized by Aug. 7 even though the party’s convention in Chicago isn’t scheduled to begin for more than two more weeks,” said a party official.
Harris will face Republican nominee Donald Trump in the November election. The race is intensifying, with Harris and Trump neck and neck in several battleground states. Harris is also experiencing an increase in racist and misogynistic attacks since becoming the leading Democratic candidate.
Despite these challenges, Harris remains focused. She plans to announce her vice-presidential candidate soon, with campaign stops planned across several key states. “I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates,” Harrison said.