Harris faced no opposition in her bid for the nomination after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris on July 21. She’s expected to pick her running mate within days.
The Democratic National Committee announced on Friday that Harris had won enough convention delegate votes in a virtual roll call to secure the nomination. She will face Republican former President Donald Trump on the Nov. 5 ballot. His running mate is Middletown native U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance.
In a statement released Friday Harris said she was honored to win the support of the delegates and said she would win the presidential election.
“We believe in the promise of America: the promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice — not just for some, but for all. And, ultimately, in this election — you all have heard me say many times — we each face the question: What kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?” Harris said. “And the beauty of our democracy is we each, every one of us, has the power to answer that question. And that is why I say, and know, the power is with the people.”
The Trump campaign issued a statement denouncing the Democrats nomination procedure.
“In a process more reminiscent of communist China, Democrat elites deposed their previous nominee when their coverup of his decline was no longer tenable, then coronated Kamala in the least democratic way possible,” the Trump campaign news release said. “Now, they’re shielding her from the public as long as they can lest voters notice her dangerously liberal ideology and complete lack of fitness for office.”
Harris was choice of local Democratic Party delegates
Four Democratic Party delegates from Montgomery, Clark and Butler counties were interviewed by this news outlet and all said they are among those who electronically voted for Harris in the virtual roll call.
Voting began Thursday and will end Monday but Harris secured a majority of delegate votes by Friday, and becomes the presumptive nominee. Delegates from across the country will participate in a ceremonial roll call during the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.
“I think what Harris brings is she brings the success of the Biden administration with a new generation of leadership at the same time. I think that’s what is so thrilling,” said former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, who is a delegate.
Whaley said the Biden-Harris Administration “has been one of the most successful administrations that we’ve had, but we also needed to turn the page for a new generation of leadership and she does that.”
Those interviewed said Harris’ nomination is a game-changer in the presidential race. The party had been divided after Biden’s poor performance in a televised June 27 debate and calls for him to step aside had dominated the news since then.
“I think they desperately want to move on from the stalemate and man, does she bring something new and vibrant to a much needed conversation about the future of our country,” Whaley said.
“Kamala is qualified, hardworking, and an energizing boost to the Democratic Party,” said delegate Desiree Tims, president and CEO of Innovation Ohio and the unopposed Democratic candidate for the 38th Ohio House district. “And we are going to consolidate that energy in Chicago with marching orders to turn out the vote — and win in November!”
Delegate Austin Smith, chairman of the Clark County Democratic Party, said he believes in Harris’ vision.
“Her character and her experience is what we need in this country. I feel she is a stark comparison to her opponent and we can’t go back, back to the division, everything that Trump stands for,” Smith said.
After less than two weeks since Biden withdrew and endorsed Harris, she has “upended the race,” said Hester, pointing to the recruitment of 170,000 volunteers, which he said is one of the most difficult tasks in a campaign, and her fundraising success.
On Friday the Harris campaign announced it had raised more than $310 million in the month of July, the bulk of it during the first week of her campaign for president. The campaign has $377 million in cash on hand.
The Trump campaign and its authorized committees raised $138.7 million in July and had $327 million in cash on hand, according to a news release from his campaign.
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