I’m one of AZ’s youngest delegates. Here’s why I’m supporting Kamala Harris for president.

I am committed to sending Harris back to the White House, this time as our first South Asian president.

My name is Dhruv Rebba, and I’m one of Arizona’s youngest delegates heading to Chicago to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz as our Democratic ticket. When I started college two years ago as a STEM major, I never would have guessed that I’d be this involved in politics. I always figured “other people will take care of our country.”

That changed pretty quickly. The Republican Party chose candidates on every level of the ballot who were antithetical to the values that Arizonans stand for. Republicans ran on an explicit platform of overturning election results, prosecuting women and doctors for making their own medical decisions, and defunding universities that make Arizona one of the most attractive states for businesses and workers. 

When I turned 18, I cast my first ballot in the 2022 election. I volunteered and canvassed for candidates who offered solutions to the challenges we face today. In contrast to Republicans, Sen. Mark Kelly and Gov. Katie Hobbs promised to fight for Arizonans. They’ve made Arizona one of the world’s preeminent hubs for semiconductor manufacturing and development, secured our water future, invested in clean technologies so that our state can be enjoyed by generations to come, and are protecting our fundamental freedoms.

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After seeing the impact of these policies on Arizona, I understood how important it was to be engaged. Earlier this year, there was a pervasive sense of pessimism—people were losing hope. I ran to be a delegate because I believe the best way to change things is to get involved. Young voters were instrumental in Democratic victories last cycle. Our record turnout resulted in Democrats sweeping competitive races up and down the ballot. I wanted to ensure that people my age have a say in the direction of our country. 

While in college, I also run an international nonprofit, Universal Help, which has improved the lives of thousands of people around the world. We’ve digitized schools in isolated rural villages in India, started COVID isolation centers in large cities in India, and gave school supplies to thousands of underprivileged students. My work was recognized by Vice President Harris last year, when she wrote me a letter thanking me.

I am committed to sending Harris back to the White House, this time as our first South Asian president. Throughout her career, she fought for young people—calling out corporate greed and signing the most significant investment in climate change in our nation’s history. While former President Donald Trump and vice presidential candidate JD Vance are trying to move our country backward, Harris has a vision that moves Arizona forward. 

Going to Chicago isn’t just about me; it’s about the future that our community wants to see. It’s about maintaining momentum in this state. Arizona will be key in determining the direction this country goes, and as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, I’m committed to doing my part. It will take all of us to ensure that Democrats win in Arizona and we live in a country that we’re proud of.