Kamala Harris Embarks on Campaign Trail for the First Time as Likely Democratic Presidential Nominee

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Wisconsin on Tuesday, marking her first campaign appearance since emerging as the likely Democratic presidential nominee. She will deliver a midday speech in Milwaukee.

The campaign reports raising over $100 million from Sunday afternoon—following President Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the race—to Monday evening.

Democrats rallied around Harris on Monday, consolidating support for her nomination in the wake of Biden’s surprising exit and his subsequent endorsement. CBS News estimates that Harris has secured the backing of a majority of Democratic delegates. If this support holds, she is expected to be formally nominated during the virtual roll-call vote in early August.

Harris made her initial public remarks since Biden’s announcement at a White House event honoring college athletes, expressing profound gratitude for Biden’s service and calling his legacy “unmatched in modern history.”

While visiting the Wilmington campaign office, Harris also shared on social media. The Future Forward PAC, a Democratic political action group, revealed it had raised $150 million—a significant sum following a slump in fundraising after Biden’s poor debate performance against Trump last month.

House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi endorsed Harris on Monday, marking a significant milestone. However, prominent Democratic leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and current Speaker Hakeem Jeffries have yet to announce their endorsements.

Harris, a 59-year-old former senator and state attorney general from California, has also garnered support from key figures previously considered rivals, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Despite Biden’s endorsement, he does not directly appoint his successor; the Democratic National Convention delegates will officially choose the presidential nominee. The formal roll-call vote is expected in early August, ahead of the convention, which will start in Chicago on August 19.

Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, has commented on Biden’s withdrawal on social media but has yet to commit to debates against the eventual Democratic nominee. Meanwhile, GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance is scheduled to speak at a rally on Monday.