JUST IN: Kamala Harris Wins US Democratic Nomination

US Vice President Kamala Harris secured the Democratic party’s presidential nomination on Friday, marking a historic rise to become the party’s candidate for the November showdown against Republican Donald Trump.

Harris, 59, was the sole candidate in a five-day electronic vote by nearly 4,000 party convention delegates. As the first Black and South Asian woman to secure a major party’s nomination, she will be officially confirmed at a Chicago convention later this month.

“I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States,” Harris said during a phone-in to a party celebration after securing enough votes by the second day of the virtual vote.

In the two weeks since Joe Biden ended his reelection bid, Harris has taken full control of the party, breaking fundraising records, filling arenas, and closing the polling gap that Trump had over Biden.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” Biden posted on X following her nomination.

With her nomination confirmed, Harris is set to campaign across seven crucial states next week alongside her yet-to-be-named running mate.

The Democratic Party opted for a virtual nomination process, similar to the one used in the pandemic-hit 2020 election, due to an early deadline in Ohio for submitting certified candidate names.

The virtual roll call marks the official start of the 2024 convention, with traditional festivities beginning when thousands of party members gather in Chicago on August 19.

The event will feature a ceremonial vote for Harris, celebrating her rise from California prosecutor to historic presidential candidate.

Trump’s campaign was upended on July 21 when 81-year-old Biden, facing concerns about his age and declining poll numbers, withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Harris.