Democratic Delegates Gear Up for Crucial Presidential Nominee Decision

Delegates from the Democratic National Convention lauded President Joe Biden’s Sunday announcement to withdraw his reelection bid. Subsequently, numerous state party leaders aligned with Biden’s endorsement and promptly backed Vice President Kamala Harris.

The delegates will conduct a virtual roll call vote early next month to formally designate their candidate to contest against Republican Donald Trump in November. The nominee is expected to accept the nomination at the party’s convention on August 22.

Until recently, Biden was assumed to be the nominee. However, a subpar debate performance on June 27 triggered a prolonged pressure campaign from Democratic leaders, urging him to exit the race. Biden responded to these demands on Sunday by stepping down.

Following Biden’s announcement, he endorsed Harris. Numerous state delegations swiftly shifted their support to Harris, though several states had not yet declared their stance for the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison stated Sunday that in the forthcoming days, the party would engage in a transparent and orderly procedure to consolidate as a united Democratic Party behind a candidate capable of defeating Trump in November. Harrison emphasized that this process would adhere to established party rules and procedures, with delegates taking their responsibility seriously to promptly deliver a candidate to the American public. However, he did not provide details on the formal nomination process.

State party officials widely praised Biden’s presidency and his decision to withdraw from the race. Delegates from various states have already expressed their support for Harris. Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley confirmed this, as reported by the Alabama Reflector. Colorado’s delegates and elected officials, some of whom have a vote at the Democratic National Convention, also announced their support for Harris. State Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, a co-chair for Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado, spoke to Colorado Newsline about her ongoing support for Harris, praising her leadership and commitment to the people.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines told the Louisiana Illuminator that Harris’s nomination would energize core voters exceptionally. Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee, expressed strong support for Harris, following Biden’s endorsement. Wisconsin congressional Democrats quickly endorsed Harris, although state Democratic leaders like Gov. Tony Evers and Chair Ben Wikler refrained from making an endorsement.

Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, a national delegate, indicated to the Oregon Capital Chronicle his intent to vote for Harris. Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian also declared her support for Harris, even as other Indiana delegates withheld comments.

Not all Democratic delegates have united behind Harris. South Dakota delegates await guidance from the national party before making an endorsement. North Dakota delegates praised Biden’s decision and stressed the importance of a transparent selection process, as reported by the North Dakota Monitor. Similarly, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart emphasized the need for Democrats to rally behind a candidate capable of defeating Trump this November.