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WASHINGTON — Soon after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris accepted his endorsement and announced she will seek the Democratic Party’s nomination to face Donald Trump in November.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do 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 momentous decision Sunday moves up a long-anticipated 2028 Democratic primary campaign that was expected to feature a broad cast of rising stars in the party. But the sudden start and a shortened four-month timeline mean Harris starts out with a massive advantage — a campaign apparatus and millions in funds she can inherit, as well as rapid endorsements from broad swaths of the party eager to quickly settle on a nominee.
It’s far from clear any prominent Democrats will challenge Harris in what could be a murky process to replace Biden. And if the party coalesces around her, some of those future presidential prospects could become contenders for her vice presidential pick.
A source close to the Harris campaign effort said she has been working phones hard to get support from all the short-listers. “She’s already rallying all the potential candidates behind her,” this person said. “You’re going to see everyone fall into place.”
While some quickly endorsed Harris on Sunday, other rumored or would-be candidates are keeping their cards close to the vest, with most of them refraining from discussing Biden’s succession.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a statement praising Biden “and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania” before he released another statement backing Harris.
“The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency,” said Shapiro, who won his competitive state in a blowout against a strongly pro-Trump Republican in 2022. “The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania — where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.”
Two-term Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whom many have discussed as a future presidential candidate, praised Biden and said on social media that she’ll keep working to stop Trump.
“My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” she said.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker posted a statement praising Biden, attacking Trump and promising to work to defeat Trump, without discussing possible replacements.
“As we extend our gratitude to President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House,” he said. “I will work every day to ensure that he does not win in November.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and has well-known national ambitions, tweeted, “President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents. Thank you, @JoeBiden.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a Biden rival in 2020-turned-Cabinet secretary, said: “Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history. I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.”
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a former astronaut who won two back-to-back statewide elections in battleground Arizona, has been rumored as a possible vice presidential contender. Kelly endorsed Harris on Sunday to take the mantle from Biden this fall.
The source close to the Harris campaign effort said Kelly is the “dark horse” in the contest for vice presidential candidate, given his military experience and personal narrative and that he comes from a swing state.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also issued a statement praising Biden and the “transformative legislation” he steered through Congress. He then endorsed Harris, posting: “I’ve known @VP going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who won two elections in Republican-friendly Kentucky, released a statement praising Biden’s decision as being “in the best interest of the country, and our party.”
“Now it is time for our nation to come together. We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise,” Beshear said, while also praising Harris as his partner in leading the country through crises.
First-term Maryland Gov. Wes Moore tweeted a statement heaping praise on Biden as “an exemplar of true leadership,” without mentioning Harris or discussing a replacement nominee.
