With President Biden stepping aside, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination, earning endorsements from the majority of democratic lawmakers and governors

In the wake of President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, Vice President Kamala Harris has swiftly garnered substantial support from across the Democratic Party. As of July 22, 2024, a decisive majority of Democratic lawmakers and all Democratic governors have rallied behind Harris as the party’s choice for the presidential nomination.

Following Biden’s decision to step down on July 21, Democratic leaders quickly expressed their admiration for his service and extended their backing to Harris. By the end of July 22, 2024, support for Harris had consolidated significantly among elected Democrats. Notably, 87% of Democratic senators and representatives have publicly endorsed Harris, reflecting a broad consensus within the party. In contrast, 52% of Democratic governors had issued statements in support of Harris, a figure that reached 100% by the end of the day as more governors aligned with the Vice President’s candidacy.

Among the prominent figures publicly backing Harris are 23 Democratic governors, including Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. The endorsement extends to key senators like Richard Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. Representative Nancy Pelosi of California and a significant majority of her colleagues have also thrown their support behind Harris.

However, not all Democratic leaders have been quick to publicly commit. A few high-profile figures, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, have issued statements acknowledging Biden’s departure without explicitly endorsing Harris. This cautious approach reflects ongoing deliberations within the party about the upcoming election and Harris’s candidacy.

As of now, 239 Democrats have officially expressed support for Harris, including a notable cohort of 41 senators and 186 representatives. Additionally, 23 Democrats, primarily from the Senate and House, have publicly recognized Biden’s service but have yet to specify their stance on Harris. A remaining group of nine Democrats, comprising one senator and eight representatives, have not commented on their position regarding the Vice President’s candidacy.

Despite the mixed signals from some quarters, Harris’s path to becoming the Democratic nominee appears increasingly clear. Her rapid accumulation of endorsements showcases her solid standing within the party and highlights a unified front as Democrats look towards the upcoming election cycle.

The New York Times

On July 21, 2024, Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign with a spirited address, declaring, “we are going to win” and pledging to unite the nation. President Joe Biden, who has withdrawn from the 2024 race, supported Harris by phone, calling his exit the “right thing to do.” Despite Biden’s departure, he will continue his presidency until term’s end.

Harris’s campaign received a significant boost, raising over $81 million since Biden’s withdrawal. Prominent Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have endorsed her. Pelosi described her support as “official, personal, and political.”

In contrast, Donald Trump criticized Biden, suggesting that if Biden can’t run for office, he shouldn’t be running the country. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, made his first solo campaign appearance in Ohio.

Harris also addressed her absence from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s congressional address, attributing it to a scheduling conflict rather than a shift in policy stance. She is expected to discuss ending the Gaza conflict and achieving a ceasefire in her separate meeting with Netanyahu.

In her campaign launch, Harris emphasized her commitment to advancing freedoms and rights for all Americans and criticized Trump’s policies as regressive. She promised to fight for abortion rights, stricter gun control, and a strengthened middle class. Harris stressed the campaign’s focus on contrasting visions for America’s future, aiming for progress rather than a return to past policies.

With Biden’s endorsement and her campaign gaining traction, Harris is focused on winning the upcoming election and building on Biden’s legacy.

Sky News

On July 23, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris announced that she has secured enough delegates to win the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. With 2,214 delegates, Harris exceeds the majority needed for the nomination, though the official confirmation will occur at the Democratic Convention in August.

Harris expressed pride and gratitude for the support from the Democratic Party and California’s delegation. She is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination and campaigning directly to voters. Her campaign has garnered significant momentum, raising $81 million in the first 24 hours following President Joe Biden’s endorsement.

Biden, who withdrew from the 2024 race citing health concerns and pressure from within his party, has publicly supported Harris. He pledged to campaign vigorously for her and emphasized his commitment to completing his presidency with full engagement in both domestic and foreign policy.

In his remarks, Biden reiterated his dedication to Harris’s campaign, saying he would support her in any way needed. He criticized Donald Trump as a continuing threat to the nation and supported Harris’s campaign goals, which include a focus on middle-class growth, reproductive freedom, and an assault weapons ban.

Harris, who has been endorsed by prominent Democrats like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, is positioned to face Trump in the upcoming election. Her campaign aims to differentiate her from Trump by highlighting her own record and Biden’s achievements, as well as addressing key issues like economic inequality and gun control.

CNBC

As of July 23, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered enough delegate endorsements to solidify her position as the Democratic frontrunner for the 2024 presidential race. NBC News reports that Harris has received support from 1,992 delegates, surpassing the 1,976 required to clinch the nomination. Although she is not yet officially the nominee, her lead is significant, and no serious challengers have emerged.

The momentum for Harris’ campaign has been bolstered by a historic fundraising surge following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. The Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue has processed $106 million in contributions since Biden’s exit, with the Future Forward PAC announcing $150 million in pledged donations from major donors. Additionally, over 888,000 small-dollar donors have contributed to Harris’ campaign, showcasing widespread grassroots support.

Harris has appointed Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s former campaign chair, to lead her effort, ensuring continuity in campaign strategy. She has focused her campaign messaging on her prosecutorial record, emphasizing her commitment to tackling corporate fraud, supporting the middle class, and defending reproductive rights.

In response to Biden’s exit, the Trump campaign is adjusting its strategy to counter Harris, with Trump intensifying attacks against her. Controversy has also surrounded the Republican camp, with Ohio Senator George Lang’s inflammatory remarks about potential violence if Trump loses sparking backlash.

Despite his exit from the presidential race, Biden remains actively engaged in supporting Harris and intends to work on legislation and campaign efforts until the end of his term in January 2025. Harris’s campaign, now buoyed by substantial financial and delegate support, is poised for the Democratic convention, where she is expected to formally accept the nomination.