NEW ORLEANS — Over the next few days in Chicago, the Democratic party will rally support and energy for Kamala Harris and her race to the Oval Office. Some of Louisiana's own are there and are making their mark on this year's Democratic National Convention.
"It’s been a great unprecedented amount of enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy I expect this convention is really going to generate and really amplify that enthusiasm to a level that’s going to be able to propel us to a victory in November," Randal Gaines, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party said.
Harris is already the official nominee, as the DNC held a roll call for delegate votes a few weeks ago, to ensure they would make the deadline for Harris to be on the ballot. Gaines says though, Harris was quick to secure all 57 of Louisiana's delegate votes.
"I think that sends a signal to the rest of the country that a state in the deep south can unify behind the Democratic candidate," Gaines said.
Delegates, some of whom are in Chicago say it was an easy choice because they believe Harris is for Louisiana.
"in times of need when I have called on her when New Orleans needed help, particularly after hurricane Ida, she was right there willing to take the meetings, willing to be there and help us," Helena Moreno, delegate and New Orleans City Council President said.
Delegates say though, they're excited to hear more over the next few days, specifically Harris' plan moving forward. Besides the 57 delegate votes, Harris is also receiving support from Louisiana leaders like former Mayor Marc Morial, who is speaking at the convention, and Mitch Landrieu, who is in Chicago and is said to be helping the campaign.