Washington state's Democratic delegates vote to endorse Kamala Harris for president

Washington state's Democratic delegation came out in favor of supporting Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday, throwing more weight behind Harris' presidential campaign.

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“As the first South Asian woman to lead a state party organization for any major party and as our delegation chair, I am beyond thrilled to announce that the Washington State Delegation has voted overwhelmingly to support the first woman of color to represent a major party in a presidential election," said Shasti Conrad, chair of Washington State Democrats. "With Harris as our nominee we will protect our fundamental rights and freedoms and defeat Donald Trump’s and MAGA’s extremist Project 2025 agenda."

Washington state's delegation heading to the Democratic National Convention voted 79-17 in favor of Harris. According to the party, no other candidates were considered — it was a strict yes or no vote to endorse Harris.

The national convention will take place Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, where Democrats will officially decide on a presidential candidate in the wake of President Biden bowing out. The party will also update its platform at the event.

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“As a party, we will shield Vice President Harris from the racism and misogyny already being hurled her way while also amplifying her vision for a democratic and prosperous future," Conrad said.

The Washington state Republican party has attacked Harris as a "DEI hire" and the chair, Jim Walsh, has called the upcoming Chicago convention a "scripted coronation."

Uncommitted Washington, a group of delegates who want to see changes in the administration's approach to Israel and Gaza, released its own statement following Thursday's vote. While the state party said delegates "overwhelmingly" supported the vice president, Uncommitted Washington said that "nearly a fifth" of the state's delegation did not vote in her favor and "still have concerns about providing an endorsement to Vice President Harris."

Yaz Kader, an uncommitted delegate, told KUOW that "it was a fair process," and that "my vote to not endorse Kamala Harris is reflective of the administration’s continued inability to have a red line as the Palestinians in Gaza experience massacre after massacre, and I will continue to push for a ceasefire."

The uncommitted group is primarily based on promoting a "permanent ceasefire in Gaza" and ending "unconditional military funding to Israel." It points out that three Washington delegates attending the national convention are Palestinian.