US Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee against Republican Donald Trump, Reuters reported on Tuesday. This comes after President Joe Biden endorsed Harris on Sunday after withdrawing from the race amid concerns about his age and health. He pledged to complete his term, ending on January 20, 2025.
An Associated Press survey revealed Harris has the support of 2,538 delegates, surpassing the 1,976 required to win the nomination. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison confirmed the party would announce its nominee by August 7.
While delegates can still change their minds before August 7, no other candidate received votes in the AP survey, and 57 delegates remained undecided.
In her first public appearance since the endorsement, Harris delivered a campaign speech on Monday, vowing to challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump with the determination of her prosecutor days.
“I took on perpetrators of all kinds,” Harris stated, referencing her experience as California’s attorney general and U.S. senator. “So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump’s type. In this campaign, I will proudly, I will proudly put my record against his,” Harris said.
The Trump campaign responded critically, with national press secretary Karoline Leavitt labeling Harris as “incompetent” and “more liberal” than Biden. She challenged Harris to defend both Biden’s and her own records, particularly on crime.
Trump, awaiting sentencing in September for falsifying business records and facing charges related to his 2020 election interference, maintains claims of election fraud.
Biden, recovering from COVID-19, phoned into Harris’ campaign event, expressing confidence in his decision to step down. Despite his hoarse voice, he praised Harris and reiterated his commitment to serving until his term’s end.
Harris, 59, outlined key policies, including abortion rights, assault rifle bans, and middle-class revitalization. Her campaign swiftly consolidated support, securing commitments from numerous delegates and endorsements from top party figures, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the AFL-CIO labor union.
Harris’ campaign reported raising $81 million within 24 hours of Biden’s exit, the highest single-day total in the 2024 campaign for either party.
Prominent Democrats, including Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, and Andy Beshear, have voiced support for Harris. Whitmer announced she would co-chair Harris’ campaign.
Biden’s exit follows his poor June 27 debate performance and the July 13 attempted assassination of Trump.
Harris praised Biden’s service at a White House event on Monday, highlighting his unmatched legacy.
Harris plans to campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a key battleground state, contrasting her fresh perspective with Trump’s.
The Trump campaign, anticipating Harris’ rise, released critiques of her record on immigration and other issues, portraying her as more liberal than Biden.
Eric Holder, former U.S. attorney general, will oversee the vetting of Harris’ potential running mates, according to sources.
Trump, continuing his false claims of a stolen 2020 election, accused Democrats of undermining Biden after his primary win, asserting on Truth Social that “they stole the race from Biden.”