Kamala Harris Secures Democratic Nomination: Will Momentum Propel Her To November Victory After Biden's Exit?

Zinger Key Points
  • Kamala Harris officially secures the Democratic nomination for president on Friday.
  • If elected, Harris would be the first female president and second person of color to hold America's highest office.

Vice President Kamala Harris quickly ascended to the top of the Democratic Party’s presidential contenders after Joe Biden dropped out of the race on July 21. Now it’s official: Harris is the party’s nominee in the November election.

What Happened: Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison announced the development Friday.

“I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting on Monday,” Harrison said, according to a Politico reporter’s post on X.

According to The Washington Post, Harris said on a call Friday: "I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States.

"And I will tell you the tireless work of our delegates, our state leaders and staff has been pivotal in making this moment possible."

Why it Matters: Harris is the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket and could become the first female president. She is the second person of color to be nominated (after former President Barack Obama) and the second female nominee (after Hillary Clinton, a former senator, secretary of state and first lady).

Harris’ strong polling since joining the race and hundreds of millions in fundraising have many observers viewing the race as a toss-up; GOP opponent and former President Donald Trump was seen as a favorite against Biden.

Election forecaster Nate Silver gives Harris a 45% chance of winning in November, roughly aligned with predictors on the betting market Polymarket. Odds website Predictit has traders giving Harris a higher chance of winning than Trump.

Harris will make her case to the American people at the DNC in late August. She is also planning on launching a swing state tour starting Aug. 6.

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Photo via Shutterstock.

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Posted In: PoliticsTop Stories2024 electionDNCDonald TrumpJaime HarrisonJoe BidenKamala HarrisStories That Matter
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