Texas’ delegation to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) pledged their support for Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden on a Monday night Zoom call.
By an overwhelming vote — 260 to 6 — the group of delegates backed Harris’ bid for president following the vacancy created by Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Biden summarily endorsed Harris following his announcement.
The full delegation has 273 individuals with 20 alternates. They’ll officially cast their votes for Harris at next month’s convention in Chicago. Texas’ delegation is the third largest in the country, behind California and New York.
This comes after the Texas House Democratic Caucus backed Harris on Monday, a dozen members of which are also DNC delegates.
Since jumping into the race two days ago, Harris’ campaign has reportedly raised more than $100 million. On Monday night, Harris wrote on X that she had won enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination at the August convention.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said following the vote, “Tonight, the Texas Democratic National Delegation proudly announced our endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as our party’s nominee for President.”
“Her historic tenure as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the office of the Vice President has been marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and progress for all Americans. With her extensive experience, dedication to public service, and proven leadership, we believe Kamala Harris is uniquely qualified to defeat Donald Trump and lead our nation forward — championing the values and ideals that unite us as a country.”
The virtual meeting had its difficulties as a voice vote was held — on a video call — and then a roll call vote. The meeting became a bit hectic as Hinojosa struggled to corral the group.
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin), a delegate, told the Houston Chronicle, “Just because our chair can't run a meeting, it shouldn't mar the clear outcome. It was an overwhelming endorsement for Vice President Harris; that was really great.”
Echkardt and seven of the other 11 Democrats in the Texas Senate backed Harris in a Tuesday afternoon statement.
While most Democrats in Texas have lined up behind Harris, some have called for an open convention, including Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37).
The vote is non-binding, but similar commitments across the country have been made to Harris.