Harris Clinches Democratic Nomination with Delegate Majority, Announces Committee Chair

Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered enough votes to become the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison announced Friday.

This milestone in the online voting process, which concludes on Monday, marks Harris as the first woman of color leading a major party’s presidential ticket.

“I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee,” Harris stated during a call with supporters.

Harris secured significant backing after President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection. This accelerated her rise as Biden endorsed her shortly after his withdrawal from the race.

Democratic National Convention delegates began secure online voting on Thursday, with the process remaining open until Monday evening. Harris has yet to select a running mate and plans to interview potential candidates over the weekend.

The nomination process is expected to be formally concluded by August 7. This early nomination aims to meet crucial ballot access deadlines in Ohio despite the party’s convention in Chicago slated to start on August 19.

The convention will include a traditional state-by-state roll call, although it will be ceremonial due to the online voting.

Harrison emphasized the need for unity within the party, saying, “We will rally around Vice President Kamala Harris and demonstrate the strength of our party” at the forthcoming convention.

Ohio lawmakers have adjusted the ballot access deadline, effective September 1. Nevertheless, Democratic attorneys caution that missing the initial August 7 deadline could lead to legal complications.