PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – Monday marks the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will share their plans and visions for the future of America.

Pitt County delegates, including North Carolina House District Nine candidate Claire Kempner, traveled to the Windy City this weekend ahead of the DNC’s kickoff. She said she’s ready to make history alongside delegates from all fifty states.

“This convention will serve as a major opportunity for our party and our nominees to tell our story directly to the American people, the story of what we accomplished as Democrats and a story of the major stakes of this election,” said Kempner.

The convention comes four weeks after President Joe Biden decided to drop out of the race and endorse Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. Harris selected Walz as her VP pick two weeks ago. The two will lay out many of their policies on issues like abortion and inflation during the convention, which will be crucial to voters in the upcoming election.

The DNC’s theme for the week is “For the people, for our future.” Local Republicans are eager to listen in, and some are curious to see what the theme really means to Democrats.

“When you say, ‘for the people,’ are you making a decision for me that’s best for me?” said Beaufort County GOP Chair Carolyn Garris, “Or are you including me in that decision-making process? It’s very concerning. It’s supposed to be ‘We, the people,’ we’re the ones that elect you.”

Many democratic leaders will take the DNC podium throughout the week, starting with President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday.

Former President Barack Obama, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and Former First Lady Michelle Obama will also speak this week.

Governor Walz is expected to give his acceptance speech on Wednesday, and Vice President Harris will wrap up the convention with her speech on Thursday.