Key Democrats Endorse Harris For Nomination

A number of key Democratic party figures have announced their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the party's presidential nomination, with her eventual confirmation looking more and more likely. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - speculated as potentially mulling runs themselves - are the most recent to offertheirendorsements.

• Earlier, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced his backing of Harris, as did House Democratic Caucus chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA).
• With the endorsement of Durbin this leaves just the two seniormost Congressional Democrats - Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) - having not endorsed Harris publicly. Two other figures with significant clout are also yet to back Harris - former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and former President Barack Obama.
• At the time of writing, electionbettingodds.com gives Harris an 84.3% implied probability of taking the Democraitc nomination.
• The slew of endorsements not only makes Harris' nomination overwhelmingly likely, it also implies a smoother process, with the Democratic Convention in Chicago 19-22 August becoming more of a 'coronation' rather than risking a contested convention that could split the party.