Next steps for Kamala Harris as local Democratic groups rally behind her

Local political groups, like the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, based in Cathedral City, have seen a surge in activity – including phone calls from folks inquiring on how to donate to the Harris campaign, sign up as volunteers, or how to change their voter registration.

Elle Kurpiewski, the Political Director of the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, says, “It’s been wonderful. We’ve had a lot of people walk in. Phone calls are coming in. People are excited. People are energized and want to know how to help.”

“It’s showing by the folks that are walking in here and filling out our volunteer forms,” she continued with a grin.

Jenny Hall, one of those people who filled out a volunteer form, explains, “I’m very excited about the election, and I want to make sure the Democrats win!”

Aside from volunteers, groups like the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert offer to help voters change their voter registration if they moved or changed names. They also guide people who want to make campaign contributions to the correct sites – in this case, organizations like ActBlue.

Through organizations like these, Vice President Kamala Harris raised over $80 million in the first 24 hours after launching her presidential campaign following President Biden's withdrawal — most of which has come from small donors.

In the days leading up to the Democratic National Convention, which starts on August 19th, the current Vice President will need to pick her running mate. Then, she's expected to be nominated as the Democratic Party's pick to take on former President Donald Trump.

Kurpiewski is confident in Harris's ability to win.

"People are very respectful of President Biden and what he did for this country. He put country over ego. And [now] you've got a woman that's very qualified. There's no question she's ready to go," Kurpiewski says.