AUSTIN, Texas — Many Travis County Democrats said they are excited Vice President Kamala Harris is the likely Democratic nominee.
Na'Cole Thompson – owner of Leander Beauty Supply, president of Black Austin Dems and mayor pro tem for the city of Leander – was among 44,000 Black women on a Zoom call supporting Harris.
"As an elected official and a Black woman, it’s exciting to see this is a potential an opportunity. I see woman serving in all kinds of capacities, and to serve at the highest level of country is just amazing," Thompson said.
Thompson said it also brings new energy to the Democratic Party.
"I'm connected in some groups, they are Gen Z. They are getting excited in a way they were not a month ago. People are excited, just [about] what this means for, historically, what this means. But also what is means to women, young girls, what is means to our country," she said.
James Murphy is the executive director of the Travis County Democratic Party. He said he's already seeing more local voters get engaged.
"Excited to have her on top of the ticket. She brings a lot of energy, as well as a lot of new volunteers and also a lot of funding,” Murphy said.
Both Murphy and Thompson said they're optimistic about what they call new momentum heading into November.
"Wow, we will potentially have lived through two historic events, with election of President Obama and potential election of Kamala Harris," Thompson said.
KVUE also spoke with the Travis County GOP. We asked party leaders what they think about Harris likely being the Democratic nominee.
"We know Kamala Harris is grossly underqualified. I think we have an easier walk with her. A lot may depend on who her VP nomination is," Andy Hough, Travis County GOP communications director, said. "There is still a long way to the convention, so there are a lot factors to look out for. But right now, we are pretty excited."
To volunteer for the Travis County Democrats, visit the party's website. To volunteer for the Travis County GOP, visit the party's website.