Kamala Harris to Lead as Democratic Nominee in 2024 Presidential Election

US Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian and African roots, was named the 2024 presidential nominee of the Democratic Party on Friday. She secured enough votes from Democratic delegates in a virtual roll call. Harris, 59, will compete against Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump, 78, in the general elections on November 5.

"I am honoured to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week. This campaign is about people coming together, fuelled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are," Harris said. She became the presidential candidate after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race last month.

Historic Nomination

Harris is set to become the first woman of colour to lead a major American political party's presidential ticket. She is also the first Indian American to be nominated as a presidential candidate by either the Republican or Democratic party. "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," said Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison.

Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was Indian, and her father, Donald Jasper Harris, is Jamaican; both immigrated to the US. Harris will officially accept her nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 22. Over the next few days, she is expected to announce her running mate.

Campaign Vision

"We love our country. We believe in the promise of America, and that's what this campaign is about," Harris stated. She added that she would formally accept her nomination next week once virtual voting concludes. "But already I'm happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination," she said.

In a phone call with delegates after securing enough votes, Harris expressed excitement about gathering in Chicago later this month. "We will gather in Chicago, united as one party, where we're going to have an opportunity to celebrate this historic moment together," she said.

Harris emphasised that this campaign is about unity and collective effort. "This campaign is about all of us coming together, people from every walk of life and every lived experience, being renewed by our love of country and knowing we are prepared to fight for the best of who we are," she said.

Commitment to Democracy

"The beauty of our democracy is that each one of us has the power to answer that question," Harris remarked. "That is why I say and know the power is with the people." She stressed that winning this election requires everyone's involvement, whether through making calls, engaging with communities online or offline, or talking with people in everyday settings like grocery stores or churches.

Harris concluded by saying, "We are going to win this election, and it will take all of us working together." Her words reflect a commitment to inclusivity and grassroots mobilisation as key strategies for her campaign.