RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) – It’s Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and North Carolina is well represented on the national stage.

The convention was an opportunity for local elected officials and party leaders to continue to make the case that Democrats believe North Carolina is worth investing resources in. They believe Vice President Kamala Harris can turn the state back into a Democratic state for the first time since 2008, when Barack Obama won the state. So far, the Harris campaign has listened and invested more resources locally in North Carolina.

Durham Mayor Leo Williams was among those hoping to make history by electing the country’s first female president.

“I felt my body vibrate last night when she walked on stage. Just seeing that and feeling the energy in the room is inexplicable,” Williams said.

The mayor attended workshops and said he believes Harris’ economic message will resonate with voters in the Bull City, who will play a key role in trying to make the state a Democratic state.

“She addressed the everyday issue of affordable housing, and that’s something I’ve preached throughout my entire run for mayor and now as mayor. Listen, you can have affordable housing, but what if you can’t afford anything around it,” Williams said.

The economy and inflation are also important issues for the state’s Republicans.

“Vice President Harris would probably be the most liberal presidential candidate in the history of our country. She doesn’t even pretend to be a centrist. By choosing her running mate, she is essentially reaffirming her position,” said Republican House Speaker Tim Moore of Cleveland.

Among the DNC delegates is Devin Freeman, a senior at NCCU. Freeman has interned with members of Congress, attended an event at the White House for leaders at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and can now add the position of DNC delegate to his resume.

He said Democrats nationally are aware of North Carolina’s importance on the road to the White House.

“It starts and ends with North Carolina. I’m glad people are taking North Carolina seriously. We deserve the attention not only for our gubernatorial race, but for winning the presidential election,” Freeman said.

Another sign that North Carolina is in play is the presence of Governor Roy Cooper at the DNC. He is expected to deliver a speech later this week before Harris formally accepts the nomination on Thursday.

On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, will visit North Carolina on Wednesday, making a campaign stop in Asheboro.