Vice President Kamala Harris, emerging as the Democratic party’s leading nominee for president, will be in Houston on Thursday for a significant campaign event.
According to a White House statement, Harris is set to deliver the keynote address at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) national convention. This visit marks her second trip to Texas this month.
Earlier in the week, delegates from the teachers’ union voted to endorse Harris’ candidacy, positioning her to succeed President Joe Biden and potentially become the first woman and second African American president of the United States.
According to the source, Harris’ previous visit to Texas was in November, and she also recently spoke at an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority event in Dallas.
The landscape of the presidential race shifted dramatically when President Biden, 81, announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election.
His decision came after a challenging debate against former President Donald Trump, the 78-year-old Republican nominee, and amid increasing pressure from within the Democratic Party.
Biden quickly threw his support behind Harris, and the 59-year-old vice president has since been garnering endorsements nationwide.
Texas delegates to the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which will be held next month in Chicago, voted on Monday night to support Harris.
This aligns with a survey by the Associated Press, which indicates that Harris has gained enough delegate support to secure the party’s nomination.
However, delegates retain the option to vote for other candidates at the convention.
Harris has also received the backing of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, including support from Houston-area state lawmakers. This endorsement adds to her growing support base within the party.
Political scientist Cassandra Khatri from Lone Star College-University Park suggests that Harris’ focus on unions, especially teachers’ unions, is a strategic move.
“Engaging with unions is a traditional Democratic approach,” Khatri said. “It helps mobilize voters and consolidate power across the country.”
Read more news:
- Biden Campaign Mobilizes Across Georgia Ahead of Debate Clash
- Kristi Noem Denies Formal Vetting for Trump’s VP, Focuses on Winning Strategy
Khatri also noted that Harris’ visit to Houston provides an opportunity to connect with state and local Democratic leaders, further strengthening her campaign’s foundation.
This visit is seen as a critical step for Harris to solidify support from various interest groups, crucial for her success at clinching the nomination at the convention.