WASHINGTON — Shortly after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, Vice President Kamala Harris accepted his endorsement and announced she will seek the Democratic nomination to face Donald Trump in November.
“I am proud to have the support of the president and my intention is to win and win this nomination. Over the past year, I’ve traveled the country talking to Americans about the clear choice in this important election. I will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead,” Harris said in a statement. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party and unite our nation to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
In a way, Biden’s landmark decision on Sunday advances the 2028 Democratic primary, which is expected to feature a wide array of the party’s rising stars. But the sudden start and shortened four-month timeline means Harris is starting with a big advantage — the campaign apparatus and millions he could inherit, as well as quick endorsements from broad swaths of the party eager to settle on a candidate quickly.
It’s unclear whether any prominent Democrats will challenge Harris in what could be a murky process to replace Biden. And if the party coalesces around him, then some of the future presidential prospects could be his running mate.
A source close to the Harris campaign said the vice president has been working hard on the phones to get support from all the shortlists. “He’s already getting all the potential candidates behind him,” the person said. “You’ll see everyone fall into place.”
While some were quick to confirm Harris on Sunday, other rumors or candidates are keeping their cards close to the vest, with most refraining from discussing Biden’s succession.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro a statement He praises Biden “and his unwavering commitment to deliver for Pennsylvania,” before letting go of another statement Supports Harris.
“The best thing the Democratic Party has to offer is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and focus on winning the presidency again,” he said. A 2022 strike against a Republican who is a strong Trump supporter. “The contrast in this race couldn’t be clearer, and the road to victory in November runs through Pennsylvania, where this collective effort began. I will do everything in my power to help get Kamala Harris elected as the 47th president of the United States.”
Discussed by many as future presidential candidates, two-term Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer Biden and he said said on social media that he would continue to work to stop Trump.
“This election, my job will remain the same: I’m doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop criminal Donald Trump, who has an agenda of raising costs for families, banning abortion across the country, and abusing the power of the White House. The points for Michigan are completely wrong.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker a statement He has vowed to try to defeat the former president without praising Biden, attacking Trump and discussing possible replacements.
“While we thank President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not overlook the threat posed by a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House,” he said. “I’ll work every day to make sure he doesn’t win in November.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and has known national ambitions. he tweeted, “President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president – a leader who fought hard for working people and delivered amazing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most effective and dedicated presidents. Thank you very much, @JoeBaden.”
In 2020, Biden’s former opponent, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, became Cabinet Secretary. he said: “Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consistent presidents in American history. I am proud to serve under his leadership and grateful for his focus on what is best for our country.”
Former astronaut Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, a two-term winner in the battleground state, has been rumored as a possible vice presidential candidate. Kelly confirmed Sunday that Harris will take over the mantle from Biden this fall.
A source close to the Harris campaign said Kelly is a “dark horse” in the race for the vice presidential nomination, given his military experience, personal story and coming from a swing state.
Kentucky’s two-term governor, Andy Beshear, is a friend of the Republicans statement He praised Biden for making his decision “in the best interest of the country and our party.”
“Now is the time for our nation to come together. We need to reduce the anger, the fury and the noise,” Beshear said, while praising Harris as his partner in guiding the country through the crises.
Wes Moore, the first governor of Maryland he tweeted The statement praised Biden as a “true example of leadership” without mentioning Harris by name or discussing a replacement candidate.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also a statement He praised Biden and the “transformative legislation” he steered through Congress, but did not mention Harris or the succession.