Vice President Kamala Harris is on track to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination for president, according to CNN’s latest delegate estimates. Her path to the nomination has gained momentum due to strong support from major Democratic factions eager for her to challenge former President Donald Trump.
As of the latest updates, Harris has accumulated more than the required 1,976 pledged delegates needed to win the nomination on the first ballot. This support surge followed endorsements from state delegations on Monday evening. While these endorsements are not binding, they indicate significant backing for Harris now that President Joe Biden has exited the race.
CNN’s count is based on public endorsements from delegates, state delegations, and discussions with key figures. Endorsements from state delegations are assumed to be unanimous for Harris unless stated otherwise.
Democratic officials plan to confirm Harris as the nominee by August 7. Adding to her momentum, over 300 former staffers from various roles in her past positions have signed a letter endorsing her candidacy. Rachel Palermo, who worked with Harris, led this effort following Biden’s endorsement. By Monday evening, staffers from Harris’s White House team, her campaign, and previous roles in the California Attorney General’s office and San Francisco District Attorney’s office had signed the letter. Palermo noted the high enthusiasm among signatories.
State delegations across the country have also shown strong support for Harris ahead of the Democratic National Convention, set for August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois. Some notable endorsements include:
- California’s Democratic delegation endorsed Harris unanimously, reflecting her deep connection to the state.
- New York’s delegates also gave her unanimous backing, with State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs praising her alignment with Democratic values.
- In Louisiana, Party Chair Randal Gaines highlighted the importance of defeating Trump and maintaining Biden’s legacy as Harris received strong majority support.
- Maryland’s delegation endorsed Harris unanimously, citing her extensive qualifications and experience.
- Kentucky’s delegates showed overwhelming support, emphasizing her readiness for the presidency.
- Tennessee and North Carolina’s state parties similarly endorsed Harris without dissent.
- Delegates from South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, Utah, Iowa, and South Dakota also supported her, noting her preparedness and capabilities.
- Nevada’s entire Democratic delegation of 49 delegates backed Harris, reinforcing her broad support.
- New Jersey and Texas joined the wave of support, with Texas Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett expressing his backing despite some procedural concerns.
These endorsements reflect a strategic consolidation among Democrats around a candidate they believe can effectively challenge Trump in the upcoming election. The Democratic National Convention is expected to be a key event where Harris will be formally endorsed as the party’s nominee, solidifying her position for the general election.
Harris’s campaign has focused on unity and shared values among Democrats, aiming to build a coalition to tackle the country’s challenges. President Biden has announced he will complete his term and will address the nation this week. If Harris becomes the Democratic nominee, she would make history as the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party’s presidential ticket.
With no significant challengers emerging following Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, Harris’s campaign reported a record-breaking $81 million raised in the first 24 hours, highlighting widespread support. In a preview of her potential campaign against Trump, Harris noted her experience as California’s attorney general and a prosecutor, stating, “I know Donald Trump’s type,” according to CNN.
