COLUMBUS, Ohio — After President Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, the Democratic party ticket is up for the taking. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as a nominee.
But, he alone cannot choose his replacement. The delegates at the Democratic National Convention will ultimately make that decision this upcoming August. While it’s still unclear if anyone will challenge Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic delegates in Ohio are very supportive of her bid.
“President Biden is truly one of the best presidents we’ve had at least in my lifetime,” said State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, D-Assistant Minority Leader, Ohio House Democratic Caucus. “While it’s sad to see him step down, I think Vice President Harris is someone who can pick up the baton and keep moving this nation forward.”
Jarrells is one of more than 100 Ohio Delegates who will cast their vote for the Democratic party’s nominee. He believes she is a great candidate to help the country move forward in a positive light, and will to endorse Harris. He says she has been a great leader who brings a diverse background to Washington.
“I’m all in for Harris 100%,” said Jarrells. “I am excited to get to work to do everything in my district, but also for the state of Ohio to elect the first-ever woman to the white house.”
Meanwhile, the party is set to hold its convention in Chicago, Illinois in mid-August. The delegates say they are expecting to cast their vote virtually next week. However, if that virtual roll call does not happen, then Democrats could potentially face an open convention this year.
“What is going to happen is we’re all going to vote and ultimately support a candidate,” Jarrells said. “And if the candidate is Vice President Kamala Harris, then we’re going to be pledging our delegates to VP Harris.”
“There’s a lot at stake in this election,” said State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn the Minority Whip of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus. “I think it was a clear choice before this weekend. And, it is an even clearer, and starker choice now between who we want to lead this country. I am thrilled that Vice President Harris is stepping up.”
Isaacsohn will also endorse Harris as well, and believes she has been a positive voice for the reproductive rights movement across the country.
“I think we can trust that she is going to make sure that we do everything in our power to enshrine those rights at the federal level for women all over the country,” said Isaacsohn.
State Senator Bill DeMora serves as the Ohio Democratic Party’s Convention and Delegate Director. He says, their party has limited time to get the ball rolling. But, they are very excited.
“I’ve talked to 40, 50 delegates in several days,” DeMora said. “And they were all for Joe Biden. I mean, to be very clear, none of the delegates I talked to ever wavered from being in for Joe Biden. But, now that the Joe Biden’s got out, I mean, they’re excited for a convention that is bringing something new.”