JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Mississippi has 49 pledged delegates for the Democratic National Convention.

On Monday evening, WLBT 3 On Your Side received a press release from the Mississippi Democratic Party stating that Mississippi’s delegation to the 2024 Democratic National Convention voted unanimously to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

“As chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party, it gives me great pleasure to endorse Kamala Harris who is a fellow alumni of Howard University. We will work diligently to ensure that she is the next president of the United States. The first woman and woman of color to serve us in the highest office in the land,” said Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor.

Their plan was to cast those pledged votes for Joe Biden. Now that he has pulled out of the race, they are discussing the importance of moving forward with a unified front.

During the virtual meeting, Central Mississippi Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons and the entire Mississippi Delegation applauded the lifelong dedication to public service of President Joe Biden including passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill that has provided millions of dollars for our highways, bridges, and multimedia transportation systems.

Chairman Taylor praised Joe Biden’s decision.

“I believe that he’s going to go down as one of the greatest presidents of in history, because of this selfless act of putting the country before party,” said Chairman Cheikh Taylor.

At the same time, Taylor believes there is a newfound energy within the party as Kamala Harris is discussed as the likely nominee.

“I mean, listen, that takes our energy level from somewhere around mid-range to through the roof, and I couldn’t be more excited,” added Taylor.

Delegate and state Representative Earle Banks said that logistically things are changing.

“Well, you qualified to run as pledgees for whatever candidate is running,” described Banks. “And, of course, we had Joe Biden. I signed up to pledge to vote for Joe Biden. I don’t think anyone’s bound by anything anymore. But from what I’m hearing from other delegates in Mississippi and across the country and from our Democratic Party chairman, everybody is on the Kamala Harris train.”

National committeewoman Jacqueline Amos thinks it’s an energy boost that could translate to more campaign involvement and ultimately higher turnout.

“To have a female, African American, Black woman, mother, you know, sister, just, you know, leading the country…that’s pretty cool,” added Amos.

Harris visited Mississippi in April 2022. Amos believes a return visit could go a long way.

“The Vice President really should make a visit here to Mississippi,” said Amos. “I know it would have to be brief, but I believe, I truly believe, that she could really drum up some excitement and get people motivated.”

The convention is set to take place from August 19-22 in Chicago.

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