MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabama's Democratic delegates are reassessing the 2024 election following President Biden's decision to withdraw from the race.
Many are banding behind Vice President Kamala Harris after Biden's endorsement on Sunday. However, some say an open convention may not be off the table.
"Biden had vision and plenty of knowledge, so the country and the world lost," Chairman Dr. Joe L. Reed of the Alabama Democratic Conference said. "With Vice President Kamala Harris, the American people will be just as well off as they would have been if Biden had won."
Senator Robert Stewart (D-Selma), while disheartened by President Biden's decision, says it's vital to support Harris' campaign.
"She has really exhibited lots of growth during her stint as Vice President," Stewart said.
Senator Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery) believes unifying behind Harris will prevent chaos at the convention this year.
"All of us are on board with supporting the Vice President, so that we will not enter into a convention that's chaotic," Hatcher said.
State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) says Harris is ready to step up to the plate and will support her campaign, open convention or not.
"Whoever comes in on the Democratic Party side has got to be able to do a multitude of things. One, they have got to be able to galvanize and sustain the Black female vote," Givan said. "So for me, I'm going with Kamala Harris. She's educated, she's smart, she's beautiful, and she's ready for this moment."
The Democratic National Convention will take place Aug. 19 through 22 in Chicago.