Last Tuesday, on the second night of the Democratic National Convention at United Center in Chicago, the governor was flanked by the Illinois delegation as he made the spirited announcement of the state’s delegation vote cast for president and vice president.
State Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, is serving as a delegate and was present for the ceremonial roll call.
“It was electrifying,” Johnson said of her experience in a phone interview with Pioneer Press Aug. 20. “It exceeded my expectations.”
The convention, held at the United Center Aug. 19 to Aug. 22, brought an estimated 4,000 Democratic delegates together to cast their votes in support of the Democratic nominee for president of the United States – and the running mate.
“Illinois casts one vote present and 176 votes for the next president of the United States, future Madam President Kamala Harris!” Gov. JB Pritzker blared during the roll call that saw the state of Georgia include rapper Lil Jon.
Harris already had the necessary number of delegates before Tuesday to become the official nominee.
Incumbent President Joe Biden had been expected to be the party’s nominee until he announced July 24 he would pull out of the presidential race after pressure from within the Democratic party.
Vice President Kamala Harris was swiftly selected to step in the race, and on Aug. 6, delegates including Johnson, cast their virtual ballots in support of her candidacy.
That meant the ceremonial roll call last Tuesday marked a second opportunity for Johnson to vote for Harris and her vice presidential running mate, Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota to be the party nominees.
“First of all, she is the right candidate at this moment,” Johnson said. “I believe Harris-Walz are ready to deliver for all Americans on Day 1. They’re going to continue to fight for things we care about as a party and most Americans care about: Standing up for economic justice, reproductive rights and most importantly, ensuring opportunities for all, that everyone thrives, not just a few. I know they will deliver on their promise to fight for everyone and represent everyone.”
Johnson represents 15 municipalities in her 30th State Senate District: All or parts of Buffalo Grove, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Indian Creek, Knollwood, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City, Vernon Hills, Wadsworth, Waukegan and Wheeling.
She said the Harris-Walz ticket is the best choice for her diverse constituency, particularly for creating new jobs, providing more funding for affordable housing and health care and ensuring the criminal justice system is fair for all.
However, she did support Biden, as well.
“I was still behind President Biden because you cannot overlook his accomplishments and the most recent accomplishments with Vice President Harris alongside him. Yes, he didn’t have a great debate [with Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump], but to me that doesn’t take away his accomplishments, not only as president for four years but his decades of service.
Democrats were criticized for the way Harris rose to the top of the ticket. Critics even made a fuss over the time slot for Biden’s speech on the first night of the DNC, derided the Democrats for putting him at the podium beyond prime time.
In his speech, Biden praised the work of his administration and gave his stamp of approval for Harris.
“Although we have the outcome many desired, we would have arrived at that if we had used a different approach,” Johnson said about Biden stepping aside and Harris’ rise. “It was very public, and with someone of his caliber, we don’t want to have the appearance of tarnishing his legacy.”
She said when Biden walked on stage last Monday night, the crowd went “wild” and “you can see the love everyone has for Joe. It was on full display.”
Johnson said when she received a notice from the Democratic party asking if she would be interested in being a delegate representing the 10th Congressional District – led by U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park – she readily accepted and was added to the list.
She joined the delegates from Illinois on the floor at the DNC, many of whom were her colleagues in the General Assembly, she said. There were also park board members, aldermen, mayors, political leaders and lobbyists.
Johnson is also a former member of the Buffalo Grove Park District board.
“It’s such a privilege,” Johnson said of being a delegate, calling the DNC a unique and historic convention.
“Part of the role is making sure you have that unity, party unity, and that you’re instrumental in vying behind the candidate and keeping that energy and momentum going throughout the convention.”
Johnson said she supports Harris because during her entire career – as a prosecutor and attorney general in California, U.S. senator and now vice president – Harris “always fought for the underdog and the people who have been marginalized.”
“I don’t think there’s anyone better prepared than Vice President Harris to take on Donald Trump,” Johnson said. “I’m proud people get to see Black women lead well. This is the highest position in the nation, seeing her break that glass ceiling, she’s earned it because she’s capable, she’s ready.
“She’s secured enough delegates to be the party’s nominee for the president of the United States and I’m so proud to just say that,” Johnson said.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.