Hillary Clinton ‘clinches’ Democratic Party presidential nomination
After beating Bernie Sanders, her focus will now turn to Republican rival Donald Trump
HILLARY Clinton has secured the Democratic nomination a day early and beaten rival Bernie Sanders, it has been reported.
Clinton now has 1812 pledged delegates and the support of 571 superdelegates, according to the Associated Press.
She also secured wins in Guam and Puerto Rico, just about pushing her over the line.
Clinton will become the first female nominee for a major US political party.
Although the superdelegates will not formally cast their votes until the party’s July convention, all those counted in the AP’s survey have confirmed they will vote for Clinton.
Sanders has said he intends to stay in the race until the party's convention in July.
At an appearance in Long Beach, California, shortly after the news broke, Clinton said: "We are on the brink of a historic and unprecedented moment but we still have work to do.
"We have six elections tomorrow and we're gonna fight hard for every single vote, especially right here in California."
Sanders' campaign team said the Vermont senator will attempt to win back delegates who have pledged their support for Clinton.
His spokesman, Michael Briggs, said that calling the Democratic contest before the superdelegates formally vote was a "rush to judgement."
Clinton's focus will turn to Republican rival Donald Trump in the race for the presidency.