Several top Democratic leaders seen as potential challengers for the party’s presidential nomination came out in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy, as the party appeared to rapidly coalesce behind her to become its nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom—who was seen as one of the prime contenders to replace Biden—endorsed long-time ally Harris, saying: “No one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction.”
- Another key contender, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, also publicly backed Harris, calling her a “patriot worthy of our support” and urged other members of the party to “quickly unite” behind her and “refocus on winning the presidency.”
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Americans want a “new generation of leaders to lead us into a future” and added he is “thrilled to support” Harris’ candidacy.
- Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., whose name was recently floated as a potential dark horse replacement for Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket, also came out in support of Harris, calling her the “right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future.”
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer—another key contender—is yet to endorse Harris publicly, but Politico reported she joined a call with Harris on Sunday and threw her support behind the Vice President’s candidacy.
- Harris has also reportedly gained support from current and former Democratic National Convention delegates and leaders of influential Democratic congressional groups.
News Peg
Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., who called on Biden to step down from the race on Sunday, has emerged as a potential wildcard in the Democratic race, as he is yet to endorse Harris on anyone else. Multiple reports suggest the West Virginia Democrat—who is set to retire from the Senate this year and a frequent target of the progressives—is considering re-registering as a Democrat and entering the presidential race.
Aside from calling on Biden to step down, Manchin has also been a proponent of an “open process” to select Biden’s replacement in his interview with CNN on Sunday. However, in the same interview, Manchin suggested the names of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as potential replacements for Biden.
Crucial Quote
Commenting on a potential Manchin run in a statement to political reporter Ben Jacobs, West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin pointed to the senator’s previous remarks about a second Trump presidency destroying democracy. “I am confident that whatever path he chooses, he will remain committed to Donald Trump’s defeat…It’s important to acknowledge the significant early support and endorsements that Vice President Kamala Harris has already garnered for the Democratic nomination,” he added.
What To Watch For
Manchin is scheduled to appear on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Monday with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper—two names floated as potential running mates for Harris if she secures the nomination.
Big Number
$46.7 million. The amount of money the Democratic fundraising platform has raised from small donors since Harris announced her candidacy on Sunday.
This article was first published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
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