Local Democrats explain how they're handling transition away from Biden, uniting for Harris

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Following President Joe Biden's announcement that he will be dropping out of the 2024 presidential election, local Democrats are having to refocus their campaigning efforts.

"Right now I think we're on hold," said Mary Von Ruden, the chair of the Monroe County Democrats.

The group is slowing down their efforts to connect with voters as they wait for more information.

Others, like the La Crosse County Democrats, are planning to move full steam ahead and are already advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris.

"All of these things that Biden accomplished, we still get to talk about because Harris is a part of that ticket," La Crosse County Democrats Chair William Garcia said.

It's a transitional time for the party, but Democrats are largely uniting around Harris.

"I'm supporting Kamala Harris and I'm praying that all the naysayers and everything will ban together, and we can make this thing happen," Von Ruden said.

They're confident that despite the late start, Harris can still win the Badger State.

“I think she just needs to be here and explain why she’s running and really explain why things are better under a Democratic administration,” Garcia said.

Garcia will be a delegate at the Democratic National Convention this August. He, along with the five other third congressional district delegates, have committed to supporting Harris at the DNC.

“Once Biden released the Delegates, they could have chosen anyone,” Garcia said. “The delegates that are coalescing around Harris are doing so because of her strength as a candidate.”

Wisconsin's Democratic Party Chairman Ben Winkler announced Monday that 89 of the state's 95 delegates will be supporting the Vice President.

That strong sense of unity can be felt among Western Wisconsin Democrats who are ready to move forward together with a new candidate.

"It's time for us to get our act together," Von Ruden said.

VP Harris will be campaigning in Milwaukee Tuesday. It will be her fourth stop in Wisconsin this year.

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