Hillary Clinton declares victory in Democratic nomination contest
Hillary Clinton has declared victory in the Democrat Party's race to become nominee for US president after securing enough delegates to secure the nomination – but rival Bernie Sanders says he will continue with his campaign.
The former First Lady was yesterday reported to have won the support of enough delegates to take the nomiation.
Clinton hailed her win as a "milestone", after beating Sanders in the New Jersey primary, where she expanded her lead.
"Thanks to you, we have reached a milestone," Clinton said at a celebration with her supporters in Brooklyn. "We all owe so much to who came before."
Clinton won in New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota, while Sanders took Montana and North Dakota.
California was the last of the six states holding primaries yesterday, and the west coast state was a risky one for Clinton. While Sanders will be unable to catch up with Clinton even if he wins the primary in California, a victory there could fuel his continued presence in the race and underscore Clinton's weaknesses as she battles Republican Donald Trump.
California has yet to report a final result, although Clinton is currently leading.
The White House said President Barack Obama called both Clinton and Sanders last night. It said he had congratulated her on securing the delegates necessary to clinch the nomination and would meet Sanders on Thursday at Sanders' request.
Property tycoon Trump secured enough delegates to win the Republican party nomination in May.