PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With President Joe Biden exiting the presidential race and endorsing his vice president in he runup to the Democratic nomination, state parties are starting to formally announce their support for Kamala Harris. Pennsylvania delegates to the Democratic National Convention indicated on Monday they will switch their votes to her from Biden.
Pennsylvania's delegation and state party chair, state Sen. Sharif Street, says the 185 delegates convened on Zoom and voted by acclamation to support Harris for the top of the Democratic ticket.
Of course, delegates won’t cast their votes for a nominee until the Democratic National Convention next month. Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes are up for grabs in November and are crucial once again. The winner of the Keystone State has won the last four presidential elections and 10 out of the last 12.
“We thought, because of Pennsylvania’s critical role in what’s happening nationally, we should be out front and show that we’re a united party, united behind the vice president and then we can get back to talking about the record and not President Biden’s health.”
Street says November’s election may be decided by what Pennsylvanians think.
“We are, many would argue, the most critical battleground state not only for determining the outcome of who will be president but also who will control the Senate,” Street said. “And we have a number of key battleground congressional races, so we have a great chance to flip the House as well.”
Street says Harris has the potential to increase participation among voters who turned away from Biden, including Black voters and young people.
“Young people were saying, 'Why do we have to choose between two 80-year-olds?'” he said.
If elected, Harris would become the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold national office.
“I think Black folks will get energized to elect a Black woman president of the United States,” said Street.
Street says it puts the Party in a stronger position.
“It’s created a lot of energy. The party raised almost $70 million [on Sunday] alone. We are looking really strong, and I think the energy and momentum is with Kamala Harris.”
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has also endorsed Harris for president.