Alabama Democratic Party Contests Delegate Selection Ahead of National Convention

The Alabama Democratic Party is at odds with the national party over the selection of delegates for the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Despite protests from state leaders, the national party has finalized the delegates, excluding 36 chosen earlier by the Alabama Democratic Party.

Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley expressed his frustration, stating, “Another group has tried to usurp the role of the Alabama Democratic Party by appointing all delegates to the Democratic National Convention. This illegal, self-serving group sought to appoint delegates to the Democratic National Convention instead of allowing people of Alabama to vote on them.”

A letter from Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, obtained by AL.com, indicated that the state party missed deadlines for delegate selection and challenges. Harrison emphasized that all delegates were selected according to state regulations.

The state's delegate selection plan, like those of other states, allowed presidential candidates to review and approve delegate candidates pledged to them. However, President Biden’s campaign, before he withdrew from the race, approved a different set of delegates than those elected by the state party. The Biden campaign approved only 13 of the 34 district delegates, five of the nine Party Leaders and Elected Officials (PLEO) positions, two of the 11 at-large delegates, and one of four alternates.

Due to a failed quorum at a June 8 meeting, the state party could not elect PLEO, at-large, and alternate delegates, leading the DNC to make those selections. Kelley argued that this move undermined the Alabama Democratic Party’s authority, citing the party’s predominantly Black membership as a possible factor.

With Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee, the delegates chosen by the Biden-Harris campaign will cast votes at the convention. Kelley plans to challenge this decision, though the window for any challenges has expired. District delegate challenges were due in March, while at-large and PLEO delegate challenges were due in late June.

The Alabama delegates have already endorsed Harris, aligning with the Association of State Democratic Chairs. This conflict is not new; friction between the state and national parties dates back years, including a significant leadership change in 2018 and a subsequent reversal in 2022 when Kelley was elected chairman.

Kelley suspects former U.S. Senator Doug Jones had a role in the delegate controversy. Jones denied involvement in the initial decision but acknowledged helping the Biden campaign select replacement delegates.

The ongoing disputes highlight deeper issues within the Alabama Democratic Party and its relationship with the national committee. Jones emphasized the need for unity, especially with the upcoming convention in Chicago from August 19-22. Despite the conflict, Alabama Democrats plan to bring their elected delegates to the convention.