Los Angeles: Kamala Harris, California's Attorney General, may become the first Indian-American Senator in the US Congress after she easily won the coveted Democratic Party endorsement for the seat.
Mr Harris, 51, who was born in Oakland, California, is the daughter of an Indian mother who emigrated from Chennai in 1960 and a Jamaican American father.
California Democrats have overwhelmingly endorsed Harris for US Senate, solidifying her front-runner status in the race to become California's next Senator.
Mr Harris and Loretta Sanchez were vying for their party's seal of approval to replace Senator Barbara Boxer, who is retiring.
The attorney general won 78 per cent of delegates' votes on Saturday night, easily surpassing the 60 per cent endorsement threshold. Ms Sanchez had just 19 per cent of votes.
The endorsement came after the two Democratic Senate candidates made their final pitches to local activists and other elected officials.
The endorsement of Democrats at the party's annual convention could bring significant financial backing in addition to credibility.
The show of approbation allows the party to spend on her behalf in traditional ways such as mailers, phone-banking and precinct walks and provides Mr Harris the right to use its desired seal of approval in the campaign, The Sacramento Bee reported.
Both Mr Harris and Ms Sanchez will compete in the June primary along with Republicans Duf Sundheim and Tom Del Beccaro. The top two vote-getters will then square off in November.
If she wins, Harris will make history by becoming the first ever US Senator of Indian-origin.
There have been several Indian-American Congressmen in the House of Representatives, including current member Ami Bera and retired member Dalip Singh Saund, both from California too.
Mr Harris, 51, who was born in Oakland, California, is the daughter of an Indian mother who emigrated from Chennai in 1960 and a Jamaican American father.
California Democrats have overwhelmingly endorsed Harris for US Senate, solidifying her front-runner status in the race to become California's next Senator.
The attorney general won 78 per cent of delegates' votes on Saturday night, easily surpassing the 60 per cent endorsement threshold. Ms Sanchez had just 19 per cent of votes.
Advertisement
The endorsement of Democrats at the party's annual convention could bring significant financial backing in addition to credibility.
Advertisement
Both Mr Harris and Ms Sanchez will compete in the June primary along with Republicans Duf Sundheim and Tom Del Beccaro. The top two vote-getters will then square off in November.
Advertisement
There have been several Indian-American Congressmen in the House of Representatives, including current member Ami Bera and retired member Dalip Singh Saund, both from California too.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
US Presidential Election 2024 And Its Double India Connection Opinion: Opinion | Why Indians Must Be Realistic About The Rise Of Indian-Origin Leaders Abroad Kamala Harris Congratulates JD Vance For Being Trump's Vice President Pick Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Break 64-Year Royal Tradition In Surprise Move Biden Says Could Drop Election Bid If "Medical Condition" Emerged Russia Says It's Ready To Work With Any US Leader 3 People Die After Drowning In Lake In Telangana: Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.