The Associated Press reported Monday evening that Hillary Clinton has secured enough delegates to reach the nomination, based on pledged delegates from caucuses and primaries, and an analysis of the campaign’s superdelegates (mostly party insiders who receive additional slots). If the count holds—superdelegates can switch their allegiances at any point before the convention—Clinton will become the first female major-party presidential nominee in American history.
Update, 6:43 p.m. PT: In a series of tweets, Clinton downplayed the Associated Press’ report.
We’re flattered, @AP, but we’ve got primaries to win. CA, MT, NM, ND, NJ, SD, vote tomorrow! https://t.co/8t3GpZqc1U
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 7, 2016
We are on the brink of a historic moment, but we still have work to do.
Let’s keep fighting for every vote: https://t.co/tDsxrpu6EO
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 7, 2016
Update, 7:41 p.m. PT: Bernie Sanders’ campaign also responded to the report.
“Secretary Clinton does not have and will not have the requisite number of pledged delegates to secure the nomination,” the statement says. “She will be dependent on superdelegates who do not vote until July 25 and who can change their minds between now and then. They include more than 400 superdelegates who endorsed Secretary Clinton 10 months before the first caucuses and primaries and long before any other candidate was in the race.”
Read the campaign’s full statement here.