SD delegates in Chicago for DNC

CHICAGO, I.L. (KELO) – More than four thousand delegates are convening in Chicago this week to recognize Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. That includes delegates from South Dakota who are excited about what lies ahead.

“Being at the DNC is an incredible opportunity and an honor. To be able to represent South Dakota in this capacity is not a light opportunity,” SD delegate chair Jessica Meyers said. “And the energy here is just so positive. It really shows that America is ready to move on from such divisive behavior that we’ve seen in the last few election cycles.”

“We are so excited for the Harris/Walz ticket,” SD delegate Kameron Nelson said. “You know, Governor Tim Walz from Minnesota, our neighbors to the east. Just really excited to have some Midwest spirit, roll up our sleeves and get the job done. With Harris at the top of the ticket, we couldn’t ask for a better ticket.”

The theme for the first day of the convention is ‘For the People.’

Speakers are expected to pay tribute to President Joe Biden, who will also give a speech Monday night.

Sioux Falls story featured on CBS Mornings

Less than a month ago, Biden dropped out of the presidential race and passed the torch to Harris.

“I think it was a very courageous decision that he made. It’s a very tough decision,” SD delegate Mohamed Mohamed said. “You know, ambition is going to drive you and to put all that aside and say, ‘I want to save this country and make sure that we have a better future in the future,’ is very courageous.”

“I am so grateful for the work that he has done,” Meyers said. “Specifically in South Dakota, his infrastructure investment into our state is changing all four corners of our state with water projects, with roads and bridges, with support all through the pandemic. The Biden Administration will go down in history as one of the administrations that’s been the most supportive to rural communities.”

The Democratic Party released its platform ahead of the convention.

It includes support for raising the federal minimum wage to 15 dollars per hour, making the child tax credit permanent, and creating protections for IVF and abortion services.