Kamala Harris is Democratic nominee for US president: ‘I am honoured’

US Vice President Kamala Harris officially secured the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination on Friday, solidifying her remarkable ascent to become the party’s standard-bearer in the upcoming November showdown against Republican Donald Trump. 

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

Notably, Kamala Harris was the only candidate on the ballot for a 5-day electronic vote of around 4,000 party meeting delegates. She will be officially crowned at a Chicago convention later this month.

In the two weeks since US President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid; Kamala Harris has gained full control of the party.

No other Democrats stepped forward to challenge her rise to the top of the ticket, making her confirmation as the first Black and South Asian woman to secure a major party’s nomination a formality.

It is worth mentioning here, Trump’s White House bid was thrown into chaos on July 21 when 81-year-old Joe Biden, withdrew his candidacy, backing Kamala Harris as the Democrat nominee for November elections.

Harris has already smashed fundraising records, packed arenas and wiped out Trump’s polling leads over Biden, creating momentum that she hopes she can ride through the convention to the White House.

Harris is set to make her first public appearance with her running mate on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a crucial swing state. Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, among a handful of candidates being vetted to potentially join the Kamala Harris ticket, will also be present.

After Philadelphia, Harris and her vice presidential pick will travel to six other locations including western Wisconsin, Detroit and Las Vegas, the campaign said. 

The list of candidates under consideration for potential running mates includes Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, US Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

The 59-year-old Harris, a former US senator and California attorney general, would be the first woman to become president of the United States if she wins through in the November election. She is the first African American and Asian person to serve as vice president.

(With inputs from agencies)