WASHINGTON, D.C. (Michigan News Source) – Vice President Kamala Harris, the heir apparent for the Democratic presidential nomination after President Biden stepped down from the presidential race, has reportedly claimed Michigan’s crucial 14 Democratic delegates, helping to propel her to secure the nomination. This support is significant and contributes to her overall momentum and ability to lock down the nomination for her White House bid.

The most current predicted numbers come from an Associated Press survey that breaks down the figures in every state. AP reports the survey as an “unofficial tally, as delegates may vote for the candidate of their choice when the party picks its new nominee.”

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Following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race on July 21st and his endorsement of VP Harris to replace him in the contest against former President Trump, Harris swiftly gathered support and more endorsements across the spectrum, from the donor class, the media, fellow politicians and even rumored potential competitors like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Disenfranchised Michigan voters?

Biden had won Michigan’s primary with a commanding 625,221 votes (81.2%), followed by “uncommitted” with 101,623 (13.2%), Marianne Williamson with 22,865 votes (3%) and Dean Phillips with 20,684 (2.7%). It’s unclear at the moment if Biden voters will stick with the Harris or any other candidate that the Democrats come up with after having their votes dismissed and discarded.

Harris’s path to victory.

As of 5:15 a.m. this morning, according to an Associated Press survey, Harris has secured the votes of 2,668 delegates of the 1,976 needed for the nomination, including the 14 from Michigan. Remaining are 54 undecided votes in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

The survey, which reflects early backing rather than official primary results, highlights the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party as delegates prepare to cast their votes.

According to a report from USA Today, Harris has been busy working the phones to secure the nomination and in a late-night statement on Monday said, “Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top. I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon.”

Delegate math: A game of numbers.

There are reportedly 3,936 Democratic delegates in total, including former presidents, state and local party leaders, members of Congress, and governors. However, only about half of them get to cast a vote in the first round. Under current Democratic party rules, a candidate must secure 1,976 delegates on the first ballot to clinch the nomination.

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Michigan’s 14 pledged delegates add significant weight to the Harris tally, reinforcing her momentum as the convention approaches.

Biden had secured 3,896 delegates before unexpectedly suspending his campaign on Sunday. These delegates are now free to vote for the candidate of their choice.

The final decision rests with the delegates to choose the nominee. On Monday, the Democratic Party unveiled plans for a virtual vote to select a nominee before August 7th, ahead of the Democratic National Convention scheduled for August 19th thru 22nd in Chicago. While other candidates might throw their hats in the ring, if Harris has already secured the required votes, any opposition would be short-lived according to USA Today. The vice president has also already garnered substantial support from governors, Capitol Hill Democrats, and other key voters for a potential second round.

Part of the reason the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will be doing an early vote is to make sure that Harris gets on the ballot everywhere across the country. There are a handful of states who have ballot deadline dates that happen before the convention adjourns. A vote by August 7th would ensure that the DNC meets all of the state deadlines so that Harris’ name can appear on their ballots.

Looking ahead: The road to Chicago

For Harris, the focus now shifts to securing the remaining undecided delegates and rallying the party around her candidacy. She said about the road ahead, “I look forward to taking our case directly to the American people. This election will present a clear choice between two different visions. Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights. I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead.”