State Democrats converge on San Jose convention center

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Democrats are pouring into San Jose for their California party convention. It began Friday and kicks into high gear Saturday. With a presidential nomination and a U.S. Senate seat from California before voters, you can expect a lot of politicking.

State party rules don't allow delegates to endorse in the presidential race, but do expect supporters of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders to be doing lots of schmoozing.

The cut-out figures of Clinton, Sanders and Vice President Joe Biden were the big attractions as delegates snapped lots of selfies at McEnery Convention Center. An estimated 3,000 delegates will converge this weekend to mingle, network and hear speeches. Biden is very popular among the state's Democrats, but the presidential race will grab the spotlight.

"You're going to see the Hillary factions, they're going to be very passionate. Bernie's people are here. And both sides are going to be trying to convince the unconvinced. I don't think there are a lot of those folks here," ABC7 News political analyst Carla Marinucci said.

Party endorsement battles will be fierce on Saturday. The highest profile one is between California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Southern California Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez They're vying to replace Sen. Barbara Boxer. Veteran congressman Mike Honda is expected to get the party nod over his challenger, Fremont attorney Ro Khanna.

Interestingly, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is the only declared candidate for governor in 2018 will be a no show, but he has a good excuse. He and his wife had their fourth baby on Friday evening.

Click here for full coverage on the election.