The Democratic National Convention is set to kick off Monday as Vice President Harris seeks to keep the momentum going for her party nearly one month after she replaced President Joe Biden atop the ticket .
The convention, held in Chicago, will feature a host of speakers for the four-day event, ranging from current White House, congressional and state leaders to past presidents.
The novelty in this convention is the spotlight for the community of social media influencers, among them two Latinos: Carlos Eduardo Espina and Olivia Julianna.
Convention officials said each night would include at least one influencer. The other speakers are Deja Foxx, Nabela Noor and John Russell, a group of millennial and Gen Z influencers who, collectively, have well over 24 million social media followers.
For Wednesday’s program, Mr. Espina, the son of Latin American immigrants who has amassed a huge following on TikTok with his videos about news, politics, food and soccer, will talk about immigration. Although he normally posts in Spanish, he is expected to deliver his remarks in English.
That night will also include Ms. Julianna, who has called herself “a plus-size queer Latina from rural Southeast Texas” and gained a following from her involvement in Gen-Z for Change, a youth-oriented political activism group. Her top issues include climate change and, like Ms. Foxx, abortion access.
“Peer to peer organizing is one of the most powerful tools we have in our democracy,” said Ms. Julianna, whose speech topic will be “freedom.” For years I’ve spoken directly to my fellow young Americans through my social media pages, knocking doors for Democratic candidates, and rallying for fundamental freedoms across the country.”
Ms. Julianna, who has called herself “a plus-size queer Latina from rural Southeast Texas” and gained a following from her involvement in Gen-Z for Change, a youth-oriented political activism group. Her top issues include climate change and abortion access.
Here’s who’s on deck to speak at the convention: President Biden will kick off the convention Monday night. His opening remarks are expected to focus on the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, including their work on the economy, bringing the country back after the COVID-19 pandemic and defending democracy both nationally and internationally, convention organizers said Sunday.
First lady Jill Biden will also speak Monday night, focusing on the successes of the Biden-Harris administration.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) will address the convention Monday and welcome Democrats to the Windy City. He will speak about the ways in which Democrats are playing a vital role in securing freedoms and the future of the nation, organizers said.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), whose name was briefly floated as a potential running mate for Harris, will speak at the convention Tuesday. Like Johnson, he will speak about Democrats across the “Blue Wall,” per convention organizers.
Former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will each deliver prime-time addresses to the convention, per organizers.
Former President Obama will address the convention Tuesday.
Former first lady Michelle Obama will also take the convention stage this week to shore up support for the Harris-Walz ticket. She will speak on the importance of civic engagement and voting, per organizers. Organizers did not specify which day she is speaking, although Axios reported her address will be Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) will each address the convention at some point this week, as will second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) will deliver his vice presidential speech Wednesday, just weeks after he became the party’s official vice presidential candidate.
Vice President Harris will deliver her presidential nomination acceptance speech Thursday and close out the convention.
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