Kamala Harris Nominated as Democratic Presidential Candidate

With roots in India and Africa, US Vice-President Kamala Harris was declared the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party.

At 59, Harris will challenge Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump in the general elections on November 5.

"I am proud to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will accept next week," the nomination, Harris said. "This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are,".

Harris is about to break perhaps the ultimate glass ceiling in America—she would be the first woman of color to lead a major American political party's presidential ticket. She is also the first Indian American to be put forward as a presidential candidate by either the Republican or Democratic party.

Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison announced, "I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting." This followed a virtual roll call of votes by elected delegates from across the country.

Harris is set to formally accept her nomination once the virtual voting period concludes next week. Her mother was of Indian American descent, and her father was from Jamaica and of African descent. The ceremonial acceptance of her nomination will be done at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 22, after which she is likely to name her running mate.

"We love our country. We believe in the promise of America, and that's what this campaign is all about. Of course, next week I'll formally accept your nomination once the virtual voting period is closed. Contrasting that, I'm already happy to know that we have enough delegates to secure the nomination. Later this month, we will gather in Chicago, together as one party, where we're going to have an opportunity to celebrate this moment in history together," Harris said during a call with delegates after the votes were secured to win the nomination.

Harris spoke to the unity of the campaign and collective striving. "This campaign is about all of us coming together, people coming together from every walk of life, every lived experience, and being renewed by our love of country knowing that we are prepared to fight for the best of who we are."

She also reflected on the core values at stake, "We believe in the promise of America, the promise of freedom, opportunity and justice, not just for some, but for all. And ultimately, in this election, you all have heard me say many times, we each face the question, what kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?

" "The beauty of our democracy is we, each, every one of us, has the power to answer that question, and that is why I say and know the power is with the people.". So, here's the bottom line, I say to all the friends on the call, we are going to win this election, and it is going to take all of us. Whether it's making calls, connecting with our communities, engaging online, or talking with people where we go every day--whether it be to the grocery store, our church, we are going to talk together," Harris concluded.