US Presidential Polls: Kamala Harris Says She's 'Honoured To Be Democratic Nominee' As DNC Chair Confirms Enough Votes
Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the party's first female White House nominee. The virtual voting process saw her reach the necessary delegate threshold.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered enough votes from Democratic delegates to become the party’s official nominee for president, announced Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jamie Harrison on Friday. The online voting process, which remains open until Monday, saw Harris reach the majority of delegates' votes, marking a significant milestone.
"I am honoured to be the presumptive Democratic nominee," Harris expressed during a call with supporters, as quoted by news agency AP.
She further took to X and wrote, "I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week. This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are."
I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 2, 2024
This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are.
Join us: https://t.co/abmve926Hz
Jamie Harrison emphasised the party's unity, stating, "We will rally around Vice President Kamala Harris and demonstrate the strength of our party" during the upcoming convention in Chicago later this month.
This development follows US President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, propelling the Democrats into a virtual vote to nominate Harris. The voting process commenced on Thursday, with delegates casting their votes via secure email. Although Harris has not yet selected her running mate, she is expected to interview potential candidates over the weekend.
US Democratic Nomination Likely To Be Finalised By August 7
The formal nomination is anticipated to be finalised by August 7, well before the party’s convention in Chicago, which begins on August 19, AP reported. Democratic officials have stressed the need for an accelerated timeline to ensure candidates meet the 7 August deadline for appearing on the Ohio ballot.
Biden endorsed Harris soon after his withdrawal from the race, significantly boosting her campaign. With no major contenders challenging her, Harris was the sole candidate to receive the required support pledges from at least 300 delegates, with no more than 50 signatures from any one delegation. Any delegate wishing to vote for an alternative candidate will be counted as "present", AP's report stated
Despite the virtual voting process, Democrats plan to conduct a ceremonial state-by-state roll call during the convention, maintaining traditional practices, the report added. However, the party insists on having its nominee confirmed before the convention opens on August 19 to adhere to ballot access deadlines in Ohio—a point of contention with state Republicans.
Ohio state lawmakers have since adjusted the deadline, effective from September 1, but Democratic attorneys caution that delaying the nomination past the initial deadline could invite legal challenges, the report mentioned.
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