Indiana Democratic Delegation backs Kamala Harris for presidential nomination

The 88-member Indiana delegation to the Democratic National Convention pledged its support late Monday to Vice President Kamala Harris, to help her secure the Democratic delegates she needs to become her party’s top nominee after President Joe Biden left the ticket. 

Late Monday, the Associated Press reported Harris had the support of at least 2,579 delegates, according to an AP tally of delegates, more than the 1,976 delegates she’ll need to win on a first ballot.

Mike Schmuhl, Indiana Democratic Party Chair, praised Harris for accomplishments during Biden’s administration, and said she would build on the success of job creation, and low unemployment, and continue to fight for legislation to protect the right to abortion nationally. He also said she could beat Republican nominee former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election.

“As she served by President Biden’s side these past three and a half years, America has had the privilege of watching her continuously fight for the rights of marginalized individuals and working families,” Schmuhl said in a statement. “Our party stands behind her at this moment, and we are ready to work to usher in a new generation of leadership in our state and nation – and defeat Trumpism at the ballot box once more.”

The delegates voted to endorse Vice President Harris on a virtual call Monday evening, according to a press release from the Indiana Democratic Party.

The delegates previously pledged their votes to President Biden after he won the Indiana Democratic Primary in May in an uncontested race. 

Indiana’s Democratic State Central Committee also unanimously passed resolutions honoring President Biden and endorsing Vice President Harris to replace him on the ballot during a separate vote and meeting, according to the press release.

Sunday, Biden shocked the country when he announced he would end his campaign for a second term. This decision followed growing pressure from lawmakers in the party, donors and supporters following the late June debate where he struggled against Trump and general concerns about his age and ability to serve another four years. 

"I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term," he wrote in a letter posted on social media.

Biden, 81, endorsed Harris, 59. Harris quickly received the support of lawmakers and donors.

Harris is expected to be in Indianapolis on Wednesday to speak at a national gathering of Phi Beta Sorority, the nation’s largest historically Black sorority. 

Eric Weddle is the WFYI education editor. Contact Eric at eweddle@wfyi.org.