Virginia’s DNC delegation votes to back Harris at convention

Virginia's state flag flies in Richmond. (Ned Oliver/ Virginia Mercury)

Nearly all of Virginia’s 119 delegates to next month’s Democratic National Convention have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the party’s presidential ticket in November, after President Joe Biden abandoned his reelection bid.

Harris was already well on her way to locking down the nomination, but the Monday night vote added Virginia’s delegates to her growing tally of supporters.

“Our delegation knows that Vice President Harris is the right choice and leader not only to unify our party, but our country,” Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker said in a news release Tuesday morning. “The Virginia Democratic delegation is thrilled to cast our votes for her historic nomination and support an incredible former senator and prosecutor in defeating convict Donald Trump this November.”

Democratic leaders in Virginia circulated an online form seeking pledges of support for Harris, but the party has not yet held a formal vote nominating Harris. The Democratic convention will be held in Chicago from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Biden stepping aside freed Virginia’s delegates to support a new candidate for president, but no serious contenders have emerged to challenge Harris.

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