MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The 2024 presidential race has been interesting, to say the least.

President Joe Biden decided against running for second term, thrusting Vice President Kamala Harris to the front — but this move has fired up the base.

What You Need To Know

  • The Democratic National Convention kicks off on Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago     

  • Vice President Kamala Harris is set to officially become the Democratic nominee for president     

  • Manatee County resident and Florida Delegate Patricia DeVilliers said the Democratic base is fired up for Harris 

One person excited about the upcoming convention is Patricia DeVilliers. She is a delegate for Florida, representing Manatee County. 

“I think it's very important to hear what Kamala Harris has to say, what her platform is going to be,” DeVilliers said as she packs up to head for the convention.

She said there is a sense of enthusiasm in the Democratic Party with a new face like Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket.

“I think the Democratic Party is in a revival mode,” DeVilliers said.

DeVilliers became a U.S. citizen in 2001. She joined the Hispanic Democratic Caucus of Manatee County and eventually became its president. She said she loves the democratic process and looks forward to the convention set to begin on Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago.

“I am very excited, because I have come a long way since I moved to the United States and I feel very proud of what we have accomplished,” DeVilliers said.