Nevada Democratic delegates back Harris as she reaches enough endorsements to be nominee

All 49 of Nevada’s national Democratic delegates unanimously backed the nomination of Kamala Harris to be the party’s presidential nominee.

Harris, 59, has secured more than the required 1,976 endorsements needed to become the party’s nominee in the first round of voting. There are 3,936 Democratic delegates in total, including former presidents, state and local party leaders, members of Congress and governors, but only about half get to vote in the first round.

California’s delegates put Harris over the top Monday evening when they voted unanimously to back the state’s former U.S. Senator for president. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for the vote.

The Nevada news first came in a social media post Monday night by Nevada State Democratic Party.

“We are united,” the party wrote.

Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno released a statement soon after explaining why:

“Vice President Kamala Harris understands Nevada – we were the first battleground state she visited this year – and Nevada Democrats know Vice President Harris has been instrumental to the Biden administration’s historic progress,” Monroe-Moreno said.

“She was at the forefront of efforts expanding access to health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, making housing more affordable, and keeping our communities safe. This work has led to a stronger economy, thousands of new good-paying union jobs, and defense of our fundamental rights.”

Monroe-Moreno said the party is already working hard to get Harris elected in November.

“Nevada Democrats never take any vote for granted, which is why we invested early in a ground game that will send Kamala Harris to the White House and elect Democrats up and down the ballot,” she said.

Delegates will attend the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago where they will express support for their nominee. The candidate receiving the most support from delegates across the nation will be the party’s pick for the November general election ballot.

The Democrats’ choice was put in flux when President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would not seek reelection. He quickly threw his support behind Harris.

Some Democrats had pushed for an open nominating process where multiple candidates would be considered, but most top elected Democrats – such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi – have endorsed Harris.

In Northern Nevada, Washoe County Democratic Party chair Carissa Snedeker said the overwhelming choice from people contacting her is Harris.

“She’s such a strong candidate,” Snedeker said.

It will ultimately be up to delegates to pick the nominee. The Democratic Party on Monday laid out plans to hold a virtual vote to pick a nominee before August 7, weeks before the Democratic National Convention that’s scheduled to run August 19-22 in Chicago.

Other candidates could put their name in for consideration at that time, but if Harris has secured the necessary votes any challenge would be short lived. The vice president has already largely gathered the support of the governors, Capitol Hill Democrats and others who would vote in a second round.

More: Nevada women in politics share conflicting views about Kamala Harris for president

USA Today reporters Sarah D. Wire and Sudiksha Kochi contributed to this report.

Mark Robison is the state politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal, with occasional forays into other topics. Email comments to mrobison@rgj.com or comment on Mark’s Greater Reno Facebook page.