Job of Ohio Democratic delegates just got more interesting
UC expert says delegates often serve ceremonial role but perhaps not this year
USA Today turned to a political science expert from the University of Cincinnati to understand the role that state delegates historically have played at political conventions.
This year with President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not seek the nomination for re-election, delegates in states like Ohio could play a more-than-ceremonial role in picking the next Democratic nominee, UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor David Niven said.
Vice President Kamala Harris already has secured a number of important endorsements, but the delegates ultimately decide.
Former President Donald Trump clinched the Republican nomination this month by securing the necessary delegate votes at the Republican National Convention.
Niven told USA Today that Democratic delegates this year could act more like the political kingmakers of generations past.
“In modern conventions, the delegates have been almost entirely symbolic. Their main job has been to fill a seat and to clap like crazy when the nominee appears,” Niven told USA Today.
“This is really a throwback delegate job,” he said, “to when delegates were little kingmakers.”
Niven teaches political science in UC's School of Public and International Affairs.
Featured image at top: USA Today spoke to UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor David Niven about the nomination process to come at the Democratic National Convention. Photo/iStockPhoto
UC Professor David Niven teaches American politics in UC's School of Public and International Affairs. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
The subtle changes in hearing you should never ignore
July 24, 2026
It’s easy to dismiss changes in hearing as minor. But as The Washington Post recently reported, these symptoms could also signal a medical emergency that many people don’t recognize — known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a rapid decline in hearing that occurs suddenly or over a few days.
UC experts say proper produce washing is key defense against Cyclospora
July 24, 2026
Hamilton County Public Health reports confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, as concerns persist. Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause a stomach illness lasting days — sometimes even weeks. University of Cincinnati medical experts say it is usually linked to contaminated water or food, often fresh produce.
What are the options for male birth control?
July 24, 2026
Despite major advances in contraception during the past several decades, responsibility for pregnancy prevention falls largely on women. As recently reported in Endocrinology Advisor, a new generation of male contraceptive candidates is advancing into early- and mid-stage clinical trials.