ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)—In less than two weeks since becoming the presumed Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris has raised $200 million and gained over 170,000 volunteers.
“New York Democrats are really fired up for Kamala Harris,” said Assembly Member Alex Bores (D-Assembly District 73), a Democratic delegate.
The momentum has significantly impacted New York Democratic delegates, who are feeling a surge of enthusiasm for her campaign, especially compared to her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
“There’s the doom, the gloom, the backward direction they take us, and just denouncing everything. It’s darkness, and people are tired of that message. Here they see hope, aspiration, and climbing to higher ground,” said Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.)
Assembly Member Grace Lee, the first Korean American woman to serve in the state legislature and also a Democratic delegate, said Harris’s nomination energized minority communities, such as Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.
“AAPI voters have been an incredible and important part of winning states like Georgia and Nevada. We now have a candidate that is energizing these bases of voters to come out and vote, so I think our prospects have gotten a lot brighter,” said Lee.
Other delegates said Harris continues to mobilize Democratic voters, especially young women concerned about the future of their reproductive rights.
In the short time she has been running for president, Harris has already made protecting reproductive freedom and health care a key part of her campaign.
“I think one of the things that is very strong about the Vice President and her candidacy is the fact that she can talk about these issues in a fundamentally different way,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon (D-Assembly District 52), a Democratic delegate.
Congressman Tonko said for this reason and the potential to break a glass ceiling, this could be the year the nation elects its first woman president.
“I think it’s fair to say this may be the year of the woman because of so many attacks by the Republican side on women and their opportunities. So, you’re going to see women speaking out forcefully,” he said.