Vice President Kamala Harris has officially made history as the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nominee, becoming the first Black woman and the first Asian American to receive this honor from a major U.S. political party. The milestone was reached on Friday afternoon when Harris secured the majority of votes from her party's delegates, surpassing the required threshold of 2,350 votes just one day after the voting opened.
"I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States," Harris declared during a Democratic Party-sponsored livestream. "Your dedication cannot be overstated. Your dedication to our country. I know we all feel this way so strongly. We love our country, we believe in the promise of America, and that's what this campaign is about."
Harris is set to officially accept the nomination next week, following the conclusion of the virtual voting period on Monday. She expressed her anticipation for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, beginning August 19, as a moment to celebrate this historic achievement.
Harris's ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket follows President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race on July 21. She quickly garnered support from key figures within the Democratic Party, including Biden, former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Additionally, Harris has seen a surge in donations, breaking records within the first two weeks of her candidacy.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) initiated a virtual roll call on Thursday for delegates to vote for Harris as the party's candidate. Delegates have until Monday, August 5, to submit their ballots. DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison confirmed Harris's nomination during a livestream event, stating, "I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party."
Harris is expected to announce her vice-presidential candidate before appearing in Philadelphia on Tuesday with her new running mate. The campaign plans additional stops in key battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.
With less than 100 days until the election, the race between Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump is intensifying. Polls indicate a tight contest in several swing states. Trump has already begun attacking Harris, using racially charged rhetoric and questioning her qualifications. Harris, who is of Black and South Asian descent, has condemned Trump's remarks, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership.
Harris has faced an increase in racist and misogynistic attacks since becoming the Democratic nominee. Trump and his allies have labeled her as a "DEI candidate," using the acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion as a pejorative to undermine her credentials. A resurfaced video of Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance, from July 2021, further fueled controversy with derogatory comments about Harris and other top Democrats.
Despite the challenges, Harris remains focused on her campaign's message of unity and progress. "We believe in the promise of America and that's what this campaign is about," she stated. "We are in this, we are on the road and it's not going to be easy, but we're going to get this done."
Harris's nomination is historic not only for her racial and ethnic background but also as a testament to her political career. Born in Oakland, California, she has risen through the ranks from San Francisco District Attorney to California Attorney General and then U.S. Senator. Her nomination marks a significant milestone in the Democratic Party's nearly 200-year history, being the first nominee from a western state.
The virtual nominating process was expedited to meet ballot access laws in states like Ohio, which require candidates to be formally selected 90 days before the election. While the Democratic National Convention will take place later this month, the early roll call ensures Harris's place on the ballot.
