SAN DIEGO — The 2024 Democratic National Convention kicked off Monday in Chicago, just four weeks after President Joe Biden shuttered his campaign and made way for Vice President Kamala Harris to ascend to the top of the Democrats' ticket.
Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate eligible to receive votes after no other candidate qualified by a Tuesday night deadline.
The “virtual roll call,” the term used by Democratic National Committee officials, should allow Harris to claim the nomination by Monday evening. That's just 15 days after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term following widespread concerns within the party over his ability to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump in November.
Several San Diegans headed to Chicago to be part of the event.
Mark Arabo, San Diego businessman, delegate
“It's full of a lot of positive energy, a lot of hope, a lot of excitement. We have a chance, as a country, as a party, to make history in a major way,” said San Diego businessman Mark Arabo. He is serving as an at-large delegate.
Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, San Diego DNC member
"Make sure America is prosperous, kind, a great nation and we continue in our gains economically and don't leave people behind," said Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, a member of the Democratic National Committee who is from San Diego and will be attending the DNC.
He said the economy, immigration and reproductive rights will be major topics at the convention. "The Democratic Party is largely united on most of the issues of civil equality. One of the things we will be talking about is reproductive justice, the freedom to choose. Freedom is a theme of this campaign," he said.
He said excitement within the party has grown with Vice President Kamala Harris being chosen as the Democratic presidential nominee.
"Kamala Harris has a record as a former prosecutor and attorney general who has some strong credentials as far as law and order. Republicans usually aspire to be the party of law and order but are lead by a felon right now so that's kind of problematic," he said.
When it comes to immigration, he says the Democratic Party looks to secure the border while also doing things such as investing in immigration judges to fix the system.
CBS 8 asked how he thinks San Diego voters have responded to Governor Tim Walz being the choice for the vice president. He says Governor Walz has been well-received and is relatable as a veteran, former teacher, high school football coach and father.
"I think he's going to be a great vice president and isn't it great to have a candidate that's hopeful, optimistic and hopeful opposed to doom and gloom all the time. I think America wants to hope again. I think America wants to dream again," he said.
Anthony Salvanto | CBS News Director of Elections and Surveys
“Since Kamala Harris became the likely nominee, we have seen an increase in Democrats who say that they’re going to vote," said Anthony Salvanto, CBS News Director of Elections and Surveys. "That boost in enthusiasm has boosted the poll numbers, and I suspect as you go into the convention, one of the things Democrats will try to press is keep that momentum up because so much of this election is going to depend on base turnout.”
WATCH RELATED: Experts weigh in on Kamala Harris picking Walz for VP