Kamala Harris

Butler County Democrats like the pick of Sen. Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's running mate.

Biden named Harris, a U.S. senator for California, as his running mate Tuesday, making history by selecting the first Black woman to compete on a major party's presidential ticket.

“I have the great honor to announce that I've picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country's finest public servants — as my running mate,” Biden tweeted.

Harris and Biden plan to deliver remarks Wednesday in Wilmington.

Catherine Lalonde, Butler County Democratic Committee chairwoman, said Harris will make a good running mate.

“She's real up front. She's not afraid to say what she thinks. She's very smart,” Lalonde said.

Harris and Biden were rivals in the Democratic primary.

Lalonde said the choice not only speaks to Harris as a highly qualified candidate, but also of Biden's ability to lead with the best possible team despite differences.

“A good leader like Biden can overlook that. That's leadership. You have to look at who can do the job the best and get over it. That's maturity and leadership,” Lalonde said.

Formerly President Barack Obama's vice president, Biden spent months weighing who would fill the same role he once held in his White House. He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice presidential running mate.

Biden's search included Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Florida Rep. Val Demings, California Rep. Karen Bass, former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

According to The Associated Press, Biden and Harris appear to be on warmer terms since their days as competitors.

“Joe has empathy, he has a proven track record of leadership and more than ever before we need a president of the United States who understands who the people are, sees them where they are, and has a genuine desire to help and knows how to fight to get us where we need to be,” Harris said at an event for Biden earlier this summer.

A woman has never served as president or vice president in the United States. Two women have been nominated as running mates on major party tickets: Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008. Their party lost in the general election.

An Oakland native, Harris was born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, She won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco's district attorney. She is currently serving her first term as a U.S. senator.

“I feel that if it became necessary, she could lead if she was put in that position. I think she has the ability to do that,” Lalonde said.

With Biden's decision in the books, he and Harris will now hone their focus on three major issues, according to Lalonde.

“The pandemic, the economy and health care are all so closely tied,” Lalonde said. “Those will be prime things.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.