Louisiana Democratic delegates endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in late night meeting

Louisiana’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee for president, the state’s Democratic Party chairman said following a virtual meeting late Sunday night.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines said the delegates “by an overwhelming majority vote” are backing Harris during the convention Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

Gaines didn’t release the vote count in a news release, but USA Today Network contacted six delegates individually who all said they support Harris after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race Sunday. Louisiana is sending 53 delegates to the convention.

“We are grateful to President Joe Biden for his remarkable leadership, and we are committed to honoring his legacy by working tirelessly this fall to keep the White House in Democratic hands,” Gaines said in the release. “I am proud to share that Louisiana’s Democratic delegates will join President Biden in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as our nominee.

“It’s time we come together, and by throwing our full support behind her, we can beat Donald Trump again and continue Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishments and progress for our country. We look forward to a productive, energizing, and historic convention in which we nominate the first black woman as our Democratic nominee.”

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter is the state’s only Democrat in Congress and a delegate to the convention.

“President Joe Biden’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to civil rights, voting rights, and the rule of law. His transformative leadership has empowered families in Louisiana and nationwide,” he said in a statement to USA Today Network. “We honor his substantial contributions, including the historic nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. His selfless decision to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris resonates deeply. I have every confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris to continue their great work.”

More: Here’s who Louisiana Democratic delegates support for president after Biden’s exit

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1