Vice President Kamala Harris has been named the Democratic Party’s nominee for president in a virtual roll call vote, with the endorsement of more than 2,350 delegates needed to secure the nomination. The vote, which closed on Monday, marks a historic moment as Harris becomes the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket in the United States. Harris, who accepted the nomination over the phone, is focused on defeating former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election and uniting the country to move forward. She has the backing of Democratic figures and has raised a substantial amount of campaign funds to support her candidacy. Harris is currently vetting potential running mates and is expected to make a decision in the coming days.
Harris’ nomination is significant not only because she is the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket, but also because of her background as a Black and South Asian woman. Glenda Carr, of the organization Higher Heights, notes that Harris’ nomination changes the perception of women of color in politics and sets a new standard for leadership. Harris follows in the footsteps of historical figures like Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Her candidacy is a symbolic moment for women of color in politics and represents a shift in how Black women’s political leadership is discussed and viewed. Her nomination is a significant milestone in the history of the United States.
Harris’ journey to the nomination began with President Biden withdrawing from the race and endorsing her as the Democratic candidate. Following his endorsement, major Democratic figures quickly rallied around Harris, making her the consensus choice to take on Trump in November. Harris ran unopposed for the nomination and went into the roll call vote with strong support from state delegations. Her campaign has raised substantial funds, exceeding those of the Trump campaign, and she is now in the process of selecting a running mate. The final decision on the vice presidential candidate is expected in the coming days, after which Harris and her running mate will begin campaigning in key battleground states.
The upcoming Democratic National Convention will feature a ceremonial roll call to further solidify Harris’ nomination. DNC officials have expressed their support for Harris and affirmed her right to run a dignified race. Harris’ nomination is seen as a historic moment that represents a new direction in the discussion of Black women’s political leadership. Her candidacy is emblematic of progress and the breaking of traditional barriers in the political sphere. Harris is poised to make history once again as she vies for the presidency and continues to pave the way for future generations of women of color in politics.
