BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Many are still processing a historic political shift, but Bakersfield leaders are encouraged by Vice President Kamala Harris’ opportunity to potentially lead the Democratic party and maybe even the country.

“It’s long overdue that we get a female in there,” said Andeep Grewal of the Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association.

With Vice President Kamala Harris looking like the next possible pick for the Democratic nomination since President Biden suddenly ended his reelection bid.

Bakersfield leaders like Andeep Grewal of the Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association and Ward Seven City Councilmember Manpreet Kaur are stepping up to support the Vice President’s historic rise.

“She looks like my daughters, my nieces, so to see that happening in the history right now it is a wonderful thing,” said Grewal.

“It isn’t just about her being South Asian, we feel the solidarity in seeing a Black Woman being in the highest office and how that will change the experience of communities across the country, across any differences, I think Kamala Harris represents that intersectionality,” said Kaur.

If Harris becomes the nominee, she will be the first Black and Asian descent person to be voted into the position. Bakersfield NAACP President Patrick Jackson said the women of the National NAACP held a call on Sunday to discuss the Harris vote and expected a few thousand people, the excitement for her grew the number even larger.

“It went from 3,000 to 5,000 to 20,000 and it ended up almost 40,000 people,” said Jackson. “The movement of people being excited is there, they are very moved with the opportunity that is available and ready to campaign.

But Jackson said Harris still has more to prove to black voters.

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“She’s in a different position now from a VP to a President, so she still has to showcase that portion of the campaign of what she is going to bring and also she has to find a running mate as well. That’s going to be important for the ticket, who she chooses as a running mate for the presidential seat,” said Jackson.

All said Harris is on the brink of something momentous and is a true testament to the American Dream.

“It’s the impossible it’s beyond even what they had dreamed I think people say we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams and I think this moment is true for that as well and what can really come from that is really powerful,” said Kaur.

Each plan to rally support around Harris and voters of all ages to get her to the finish line.

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