In a highly anticipated announcement, Representative Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer, the top Democrats in Congress, officially endorsed Kamala Harris for president on Tuesday. The endorsements came after Harris secured the majority of pledged delegates for the Democratic convention, positioning her as the party's official nominee for president.

At a press conference held in Washington, D.C., Schumer and Jeffries expressed their enthusiasm and unity in endorsing Harris for the presidency. Schumer highlighted the excitement within the Democratic conferences, stating, "We are brimming with excitement, enthusiasm, unity." He emphasized that Harris was "ready, willing, and able to lead us into the future."

Although both Schumer and Jeffries had expressed positive sentiments about Harris since President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, they had each wanted to meet with Harris in person before formally endorsing her. While this meeting has yet to occur, sources close to the leaders revealed that they did have phone conversations with Harris.

Schumer shared the details of his conversation with Harris, stating that she expressed her desire to win the nomination through grassroots efforts rather than relying solely on top-down support. Schumer and Jeffries respected her approach and now stand firmly behind Harris as she has traveled the grassroots path toward securing the nomination.

The endorsements from Schumer and Jeffries add to a growing list of high-profile supporters for Harris. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal, among others, have previously expressed their backing for the vice president's campaign.

Schumer and Jeffries had also held serious private discussions with Biden in the aftermath of a disastrous debate, which raised concerns about his ability to continue running for re-election. Schumer met with Biden in mid-July, urging him to consider important factors such as his legacy, the future of the country, the impact on Congress, and the Supreme Court. Despite having private conversations, Schumer opted not to publicly call out the president, believing that a more humane approach was necessary.

With Biden ultimately deciding to exit the race and endorse Harris, the stage is set for the official nomination to take place in early August before the Democratic convention.

Harris' campaign has gained significant momentum, receiving support from key party figures and mobilizing grassroots efforts. As the endorsement from Schumer and Jeffries signifies, she continues to build a strong coalition within the Democratic Party and is poised to lead her party into the future.