In the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision to drop his reelection bid, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign officials, allies, and supporters have swiftly begun mobilizing to secure delegate support for her nomination ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.
Multiple sources according to Reuters, have confirmed this concerted effort, underscoring its importance for ensuring Harris’s place on the November 5 ballot as the Democratic challenger to Republican Donald Trump.
The outreach campaign kicked off soon after Biden’s unexpected announcement on Sunday. A source familiar with the situation stated, “A lot of people are working on it right now. She has made clear she will work to earn their support.” This outreach is crucial, as it seeks to secure Harris’s position as Biden’s replacement on the ticket.
Approximately 4,000 Democratic delegates will convene in Chicago from August 19-22 to select the party’s nominee. While many delegates were initially committed to Biden, they are not legally or procedurally bound to support any specific candidate following his withdrawal.
To secure the Democratic nomination, Harris needs the backing of 1,969 out of 3,936 delegates at the convention. This task requires significant effort and strategic outreach to ensure she garners the necessary support.
Biden, although the presumptive nominee before his withdrawal, holds no formal power in choosing the delegates’ nominee, leaving the field open for Harris and other potential candidates.
Abortion rights groups, including Emily’s List and Reproductive Freedom for All, have also joined the effort, reaching out to delegates to advocate for Harris. Throughout her tenure in the Biden administration, Harris has been a prominent advocate for abortion rights, making her a key figure for these organizations.
While Harris’s team actively works behind the scenes to secure delegate support, the vice president’s office has declined to comment on the ongoing efforts. This strategic silence underscores the delicate nature of the campaign as it seeks to solidify Harris’s position without drawing unnecessary attention or controversy.
Related: Kamala Harris wins 2024 backing of many Democrats as nominee following Biden’s exit
