Our Bureau
Washington, DC
Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough Democratic delegates to clinch the party’s nomination for president, as per CNN’s latest delegate estimate.
Her momentum towards the nomination has been bolstered by widespread support from key factions within the Democratic Party, eager to see her challenge former President Donald Trump.
While endorsements from delegates continue to come in, the vice president has now been backed by well more than the 1,976 pledged delegates she’ll need to win the nomination on the first ballot, CNN reported.
Harris achieved this milestone amidst a surge of endorsements from state delegations on Monday evening. These endorsements, though not binding, signal significant unity behind Harris now that President Joe Biden is no longer in the race.
CNN’s count relies on public statements of support from delegates, state delegations, and conversations with key figures. Endorsements from state delegations are considered unanimous for Harris unless specified otherwise.
According to a plan outlined by Democratic officials, delegates are set to confirm Harris as the nominee by August 7.
State delegations have also rallied behind Harris across the country, providing crucial support ahead of the Democratic National Convention scheduled from August 19 to August 22 in Chicago, Illinois.
California’s Democratic delegation unanimously endorsed Harris, underscoring her deep ties to the state as a native Californian. New York’s delegates also unanimously backed Harris, with State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs praising her leadership and alignment with Democratic values.
Louisiana, Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, Utah, Iowa, and South Dakota delegates all endorsed Harris, each highlighting her preparedness and capabilities for the presidency. New Jersey and Texas also threw their support behind Harris.
The endorsements underscore Harris’s growing momentum within the Democratic Party as she moves closer to securing the nomination. Harris’s campaign reported a record-breaking USD 81 million raised within the first 24 hours, emphasizing widespread support.
Kevin Munoz, the spokesperson for Harris’ campaign, said, “There is a groundswell behind Kamala Harris.”
Team Harris raised US $81 million in its first 24 hours, adding to the near quarter-of-a-billion dollar war chest already amassed this election cycle. This haul reflects money raised across the campaign, Democratic National Committee, and joint fundraising committees as per a media release.
Munoz said, “The historic outpour of support for Vice President Harris represents exactly the kind of grassroots energy and enthusiasm that wins elections.”
