KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A group of delegates from East Tennessee arrived in Chicago from the Democratic National Convention. Tuesday marked the convention's second day, and several of those delegates said they hoped to learn from leaders there and return home with new knowledge to help better lead East Tennessee.
They said it's an amazing experience and they're re-energized heading to the election in November.
The delegates said they're hoping the energy from the DNC stays with them when the week is over. Debbie Helsley, an at-large member of the Knoxville City Council, said Knox County is getting bluer but the state as a whole remains red. She doesn't believe the state will play much of a part in Kamala Harris' campaign, she said each state has their role.
"We're going to add the popular vote count. That's all we got here. So, if we're going to make a difference on the ground then we're probably going to have to go to North Carolina or Georgia. But I'm good with that too. So I'm ready to go knock on some doors in another state," Helsley said.
On Monday night, delegates heard from President Joe Biden as he passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris almost a month after he decided not to seek re-election. On Tuesday night, the Obamas are set to speak and Harris will address the crowd on Thursday.
While the speakers are the main event, several caucuses are happening during the week for different groups like Latinos, LGBTQ+ voters and young democrats. Jack Vaughan, a campaign manager from East Tennessee who attended two of those caucuses said it's important to hear from others experiencing the same thing.
"Seeing that diversity firsthand, being among people who truly represent America and represent the Democratic Party, is just so special," Vaughan said.
Delegates want what they learn from the DNC to impact the work they do in East Tennessee. William Mendoza-Euceda is Tennesse's youngest delegate at 18 years old. He said despite his age, he's ready to make a difference.
"I'm here. I'm truly making a change. A lot of the stuff, when you're young you think you're not making change and you get exhausted, but being there truly is, I'm part of the change," Mendoza-Euceda said.
The convention ends on Friday and on Saturday Vaughan said the delegates hope to keep the energy going by holding a rally in Market Square for the Harris-Walz ticket.