A lot has changed in the past month since President Biden ended his reelection campaign and endorsed current Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him on the Democratic ticket. With the overwhelming support of party leadership and delegates, we can expect to see Kamala Harris accept the nomination at the Democratic National Convention starting on August 19.

Democratic National Convention

The 2024 DNC will be the 12th Democratic presidential nominating convention held in Chicago. Harris has garnered substantial endorsements from key Democrats, including 90% or more of the party’s U.S. House and Senate delegation, in addition to every Democratic sitting governor. As of now, no other major candidate has announced a bid against Harris, making her the presumed nominee and strengthened her chances at becoming the next President of the United States. With such a strong backing, it is likely that she will be confirmed as the official nominee through a virtual roll call as early as August 7. 

Some key endorsements of Kamala Harris for President include President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies.

To get the Texan perspective, we asked Dallas-based delegate and Democratic National Committeeman-elect Jeff Strater, Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, and Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman, on what they wanted to see develop from the upcoming convention week.

Strater responded, "My hope for the Democratic National Convention is to transform the excitement of Vice President Harris' announcement into a powerful wave of unity and action. I want the DNC to showcase our achievements and bold vision for the future to the American people. We’ll highlight our progress in economic recovery, infrastructure development, healthcare, climate action, and social justice. It's about showing that the Democratic Party is dedicated to making real, tangible progress for everyone."

In a tweet from Eckhardt, she stated, “ We proudly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be our Democratic nominee for president. Her unparalleled record as a prosecutor, U.S. Senator, and Vice President make her the most qualified Democratic leader to succeed President Joe Biden… We have no doubt VP Harris will build on this strong record and ensure a brighter future for all Americans. Our country can ill afford another Trump presidency that divides and marginalizes us and promises to be nothing short of authoritarian regime.”

Coleman responded “We’ve seen an incredible wave of enthusiasm for Vice President Harris’ candidacy from voters all over Texas. I expect to see that same sense of energy and optimism on display at the convention in Chicago, and I hope that inspires a massive groundswell of nationwide support for Democrats in November.”

Texas Democratic Party votes to support Harris

During a state party meeting, 260 out of 266 members of the TDP delegation voted to support Harris as their nominee for president. After the vote, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa stated that “Kamala Harris, with her extensive experience, commitment to public service, and proven leadership, is exceptionally qualified to defeat Donald Trump and guide the nation forward by championing the values and ideals that unite the country.”

With the unexpected change, the Harris campaign has about a month to ensure their nominee gets on the Texas ballot. According to the Texas Election Code, if a presidential nominee withdraws by August 23, the Texas Secretary of State can certify a replacement. The Texas Democratic Party chair must submit the new nominee by 5 p.m. on August 26 (71 days before Election Day). The deadline coincides nicely with the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for the week prior.

How the Delegation Process works

On Thursday, August 1, starting at 9 a.m., the nearly 4,000 pledged delegates from the Democratic Primary process voted electronically,  the vast majority have shown support for the presumptive nominee. As of now, Harris has received enough votes to secure her position as the Democratic nominee. These results and the swiftness of her campaign have shown the importance of the fight we’re up against. And after much anticipation, Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her Vice President. Walz has already served his community and country as an educator, football coach, a member of Congress, and a veteran. 

What's next for you?

Project 2025 is still a very real and dangerous threat to progress in America, especially for those living in historically red states. From the average voter to Democratic delegates, we can ensure a future of progress by voting for Kamala Harris.