ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - After receiving the endorsement from President Joe Biden after he announced he would not run in 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris been working non-stop to acquire the necessary 1,976 necessary pledged delegates to claim the Democratic Nomination.
So far, according to a delegate survey from the Associated Press, around 2588 delegates have pledged their support for Harris, including 79 from Missouri and Illinois.
While there was some speculation of candidates coming in to potentially compete against Harris for the delegates, many Democratic officials have endorsed Harris, including those in the St. Louis region.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker was among the Democratic governors to endorse Kamala Harris, releasing a letter on his X, formerly known as Twitter, account Monday.
"Vice President Harris has proven at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans," wrote Pritzker, "from protecting women's rights to protecting American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American Values we hold dear."
Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth announced on Monday morning she would also endorse Harris.
"I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris and will do everything I can to ensure she has the support needed to win." said Duckworth on her X account. "Right now, Democrats must be fully united and put ALL of our energy into preventing Trump and his MAGA allies from rolling back all the freedoms and progress we’ve made."
Illinois U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood also endorsed Harris on Sunday, saying she is "an experienced and capable leader who will unite the American people and lead our nation towards a brighter future."
Missouri U.S. Rep. Cori Bush announced her endorsement for Harris on Sunday, just hours after Biden announced his decision to not run in 2024 election.
"As we look forward to the future, it is clear to me Vice President Kamala Harris has the legacy to carry this legacy forward, and defeat Donald Trump," said Bush. "I unequivocally endorse her for President of the United States."
St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, who is running for Bush's seat in the House of Representatives, also announced his endorsement for Harris on Sunday.
"We still have a lot of work to do to beat Donald Trump in November, and Kamala Harris is the right candidate for this moment." wrote Bell on his X account.