SAN DIEGO — The Democratic National Convention (DNC) starts this Monday, and several important leaders from San Diego are traveling to Chicago to take part in the weeklong event.
Among the many attendees, San Diego will be sending a group of delegates, including elected officials, to represent the area. California is sending the largest number of delegates to the convention, with 500 participants. This year, Vice President Kamala Harris will be officially named as the party’s presidential nominee.
The DNC follows a busy month in the political world. President Joe Biden recently stepped down from the race after facing pressure due to a poor performance during the June debate. Shortly after, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and the party quickly rallied behind her. Since then, Harris has gained momentum, and the Democrats hope the DNC will continue to build excitement around her campaign.
San Diego leaders, including Mayor Todd Gloria and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, are among those traveling to Chicago. They recently spent the weekend campaigning for Harris in Nevada. Other representatives from the area, like Mike Levin and Scott Peters, are also expected to attend the convention.
Aside from elected officials, San Diego is sending 27 district-level delegates, who were chosen from different areas within the county. These delegates have already shown their support for Harris during the party’s earlier virtual voting process and are ready to do so again in Chicago, but this time with more excitement.
The DNC is expected to be a major event for Kamala Harris, with speeches from former presidents and famous celebrities. Harris is scheduled to deliver her speech accepting the nomination on Thursday, the final day of the convention.
However, the spotlight will be on President Biden on Monday as he delivers the keynote address on the first night of the convention. His speech is seen as a symbolic moment, passing the leadership of the party to Harris while also addressing the dangers he believes could arise if former President Trump is re-elected.
The opening day of the DNC can be watched live online, starting at 10 a.m. PST.
In addition to the convention activities, thousands of pro-Palestinian activists are expected to gather outside the event each day, calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict and urging for an arms embargo against Israel.