Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping into the most scrutinized spotlight of her political career, emerging as the leading candidate to succeed President Joe Biden following his unexpected decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Harris, who has been Biden's vice president since 2021, is now the Democratic Party's primary hope to defeat Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
In the wake of Biden's announcement, Harris released a statement expressing her intention to earn and win the Democratic nomination. "I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination," Harris said. "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 wasted no time in mobilizing support, spending much of Sunday afternoon calling Democratic elected officials and delegates to solidify her position. One of her calls was with Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairwoman Nanette Barragán, who expressed full support for Harris and encouraged donations on her behalf. "We're in this to win it," Harris told Barragán.
Other influential Democrats quickly rallied behind Harris. Rep. Annie Kuster, leader of the New Democrat Coalition, endorsed Harris on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, potential running mates such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly issued statements endorsing her candidacy. Harris spoke directly with Shapiro and Cooper to secure their support.
Several influential political organizations, including the AAPI Victory Fund, The Collective PAC, and the Latino Victory Fund, also endorsed Harris. While some Democrats have remained silent, many others called for immediate unity behind Harris to move past the turbulent period following Biden's withdrawal.
"Joe Biden is a great American, and we all owe him our immense gratitude for his service to our country as president, vice president, and senator," said Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y. "There is no better person than Vice President Harris for him to pass the baton to."
However, Harris may not be the sole contender for the Democratic nomination. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, who recently switched from the Democratic Party to become an independent, is reportedly considering re-registering as a Democrat to challenge Harris, according to Jonathan Kott, a longtime adviser to Manchin.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris even before she commented on Biden's decision. "We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and again," the Clintons said in a joint statement. "We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her."
Former President Barack Obama, however, has not yet endorsed Harris, stating only that he supports the eventual party nominee. Senior Democratic figures, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also refrained from immediate endorsements.
Harris launched her fundraising efforts with a powerful email declaring, "I am running to be President of the United States." ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, reported that small-dollar donors raised more than $27.5 million within the first five hours of Harris' candidacy.
Amid her campaign efforts, Harris continues her duties as vice president. She is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington later this week and has a campaign event in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
Prominent Democrats, such as Senator Elizabeth Warren and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have voiced their support for Harris. Warren praised Harris as a "proven fighter" and Buttigieg pledged to help elect her as the next president.
The Congressional Black Caucus PAC and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have also backed Harris, emphasizing her leadership and accomplishments over the past three and a half years.
