Kamala Harris Officially Becomes US Democratic Candidate

Kamala Harris has become the new Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Experts point out that the new candidates have added more uncertainty to the US presidential race, as both the Harris-Walz and Donald Trump-JD Vance teams are very strong.

On Friday, Jaime Harrison, Chair, Democratic National Committee, confirmed that Harris had surpassed the required delegate votes to become the Democratic Party's candidate. “I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week. This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are,” said Harris.

The announcement came shortly after her campaign reported raising US$310 million in July, with two-thirds of the contributions coming from first-time donors, indicating strong grassroots support for her candidacy. In comparison, Donald Trump raised US$138.7 million in July for his 2024 campaign. 

Harris’s appointment of Walz aims to appeal to rural and white voters who support free school meals, climate change initiatives, tax cuts for the middle class, and expanded paid leave for workers. Walz has also been a strong advocate for women’s reproductive rights and gender-affirming care, while maintaining conservative positions on gun rights. Trump’s campaign has criticized Walz as a left-wing radical, while Walz has previously described Trump and Vance as "weird.”

As the Nov. 5 election nears, recent polls indicate a close race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Swing states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome.