Vice President Kamala Harris declared herself the “presumptive Democratic nominee for president” on Monday night, saying she’s secured enough support from delegates to be the party’s pick.
The Associated Press says at least 1,976 delegates — enough to secure the nomination — now plan to vote for Ms. Harris.
“Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top,” the vice president said. “I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon.”
The announcement came just a day after President Biden quit the race, and it marks a stunning show of solidarity for a party that was reeling just days ago.
Ms. Harris had a number of advantages, including Mr. Biden’s endorsement and her name on the Biden-Harris fundraising committee, giving her unique access to a massive pile of cash for the race against former President Donald Trump.
Democrats plan a rolling virtual vote to pick their nominee before the convention in Chicago next month.
Ms. Harris has quickly turned her attention to Mr. Trump, saying the election is “a clear choice between two different visions.”
“Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights. I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead,” she said.
Ms. Harris now has to figure out a running mate and consolidate her control over the campaign operation.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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