Alabama Democratic Party formally endorses Kamala Harris

The Alabama Democratic Party Monday formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president in the 2024 race.

Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said in a statement that Harris has been an “integral part” of President Joe Biden’s presidency and its accomplishments, adding that the country is in a much better position than it was four years ago.

“The contrast between Trump and Vice President Harris could not be clearer,” he said. “Donald Trump is a threat to the very fabric of democracy.”

Although the party endorsed Harris, and delegates pledged to Biden could switch over to Harris, uncommitted delegates can vote for another nominee. Kelley said in a phone interview Monday that delegates had not met yet to discuss next steps.

He also said the party is still challenging the Biden campaign for allegedly “handpicking” delegates. Although no lawsuit has been filed, Kelley said they are working on several strategies to address concerns over claims that the campaign discriminated against Democratic Black voters when they picked 19 Black district-level delegates out of 34.

Kelley said over the phone Monday that the party is behind Harris and that they were focused on who she would select as a running mate.

Alabama Democrats throw support behind Kamala Harris

“I feel that she will probably pick someone from one of the battleground states, perhaps a governor, somebody that’s very influential in the battleground states,” he said.

Biden announced he would not be seeking reelection Sunday amid growing pressure from Democratic allies and questions about his fitness for office following a poor debate performance on June 27. Biden later that day endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Kelley said the party would be endorsing Harris on Sunday after the announcement, but he said then there were other Democrats capable of beating Trump. Alabama delegates also said they would also support Harris.

In the state party’s official endorsement, Kelley said that Democrats “must unite behind Vice President Harris” and pledge their full support.

“And when Alabama Democrats are united, there’s no limit to what we can do,” the statement said.