Essex County Democrat Delegates Support Harris As Convention Begins

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Three lawmakers from Essex County who are acting as delegates to the 2024 Democratic National Convention say they’re on board with Kamala Harris’ presidential bid.

On Monday – with the Democratic Convention kicking off in Chicago – New Jersey Sen. John McKeon (NJ-27) launched the first in a series of daily updates as he attends this year’s gathering, where Harris will officially be recognized as the Democratic nominee, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate.

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In addition to McKeon – the former mayor of West Orange – Harris has also nailed down support from two other delegates with Essex County ties: New Jersey Sen. Britnee Timberlake (NJ-34), an East Orange resident, and Brendan Gill, a member of the Essex County Board of Commissioners and Montclair resident.

Timberlake was an early supporter of the Biden-Harris ticket, asserting that they “beat Trump once, and they can beat him again.” The senator added that if Biden wasn’t able to complete his term, Harris would be a “very capable” replacement – that’s what the vice president is for.

After Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, Timberlake immediately reiterated her support for Harris.

“As we approach the Democratic National Convention, I am deeply honored to help nominate the first Black and Asian woman,” Timberlake wrote in July. “My role as a delegate is historic, and will be a story I proudly share with my children and future generations to come.”

The 34th Legislative District includes the municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange (article continues below).

Earlier this month, Gill announced that he has cast his Democratic National Convention vote for Harris.

“I am so proud to support Kamala Harris in her fight for a brighter future for our nation,” Gill wrote, sharing a copy of his ballot. “We are united, we are focused, now we’re going to get to work!”

For McKeon, the convention holds special significance: it’s his first time serving as a delegate.

The state senator – who represents the municipalities of Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Roseland and West Orange in Essex County, and Clifton in Passaic County – said he plans to give daily updates as a new delegate at the biggest Democratic Party event of the year.

McKeon’s kickoff message follows below:

“This weekend, over 50,000 people from across the nation have converged on Chicago to kick off the 2024 Democratic National Convention. It’s been 28 years since our party last held a convention in the Windy City, and this year marks the twelfth time Chicago has hosted—more than any other city. This historic gathering serves as a testament to the enduring strength and unity of our party, which has gathered every four years since 1832 when we nominated Andrew Jackson for a second term.

“For me, this convention holds special significance as it’s my first time serving as a delegate. I am deeply honored to support this glass shattering ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. As one of over 5,000 delegates representing the Democratic Party this week, I want to take you inside the heart of the convention, sharing the energy, the excitement, and the optimism that can be found in every corner throughout the Second City.

“On my flight from Newark to O’Hare, I found myself surrounded by fellow delegates, staffers and volunteers, all of whom share one common purpose: to usher in the next chapter of Democratic leadership. Among them was a dedicated young woman who works for the Harris-Walz campaign. Decked out in red, white, and blue, she shared her story—how she began working as a staffer for Biden-Harris in 2020 and quickly joined the team for a second stint. Like many Americans, she is deeply appreciative of President Biden’s service and his selfless decision to put the country above oneself and to withdraw from the presidential race. In doing so, he was able to make way for a new generation of Democratic leadership.

“Her enthusiasm mirrors what we’re seeing across the country. As an organizer, she has witnessed record-breaking numbers of volunteers stepping up to support this new ticket, offering their time, energy and money to ensure Vice President Harris victory in November. Just last month, the Harris-Walz campaign brought in a staggering $310 million in donations, and nearly 200,000 people have signed up to phone bank, canvass, and participate in get-out-the-vote efforts nationwide.

“This unprecedented level of grassroots engagement is a clear indicator that we are on the path to victory. It’s not just Democratic insiders who are energized - people across America are truly excited about this ticket. You can see it all over social media. You can’t scroll through Instagram or TikTok without encountering someone, young or old, participating in viral trends supporting Harris and Walz. We’re all having a ‘Brat Summer!’

“Americans are excited, hopeful, and ready for change. This isn’t a rejection of President Biden’s accomplishments. Far from it! It’s a recognition that the American people are looking for a generational shift, like President Kennedy declared in 1961, the “torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” Kamala Harris is now that new generation. When elected, she will be the first President from Generation X, and the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to hold the office of Commander-in-Chief.

“Tonight, as we kick off our convention, we celebrate President Biden’s incredible legacy and the countless achievements he has delivered "For the People" over his more than 50 years of public service.

“But now, it’s time for Democrats to show the American people that we are still the party fighting for working and middle-class families, defending a woman’s right to choose, and standing firm in our commitment to preserving democracy around the globe. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the contrast with our opponents couldn’t be starker. Trust me when I say: the other guys don’t have a plan. They’re not looking out for you. They’re just plain weird!

“As we move forward this week, I hope to continue to share my experiences and observations from the convention floor. Together, we will make history in November.”

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