Jul 22, 2024,01:49pm EDT
TOPLINE Key Democrats are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she seeks to replace President Joe Biden as the party’s presidential nominee after he exited the race on Sunday.
KEY FACTS
Biden’s Endorsement: Biden endorsed Harris shortly after announcing his decision to end his reelection campaign, leading a wave of top Democratic officials and delegates to support the vice president.
Pelosi’s Support: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., endorsed Harris in a statement on Monday, praising Biden for his service and declaring her support for Harris as “official, personal and political.” Pelosi’s endorsement is significant given her influence among Democrats.
Top House Democrats: Reps. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., and Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., the second- and third-highest-ranking House Democrats, endorsed Harris on Monday. This followed an endorsement from Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., a key Biden ally.
Potential Replacements: Several potential Biden replacements have endorsed Harris, likely smoothing her path to the nomination. Endorsements came from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, along with Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who are all possible picks for Harris’ running mate.
DNC Delegates: A large group of current and former Democratic National Convention delegates—including those from state parties in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, and New Hampshire—have indicated their support for Harris in the party’s formal nomination process.
Clintons’ Endorsement: Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris in a joint statement, saying they “are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.”
Caucus Endorsements: The Congressional Black Caucus’ political action committee, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Calif., and Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., endorsed Harris on Sunday afternoon.
Senate Support: Harris received endorsements from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee, along with Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
House Democrats: Harris also gained support from several House Democrats, including Reps. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Fla., Jerry Nadler, N.Y., Mark Pocan, Wisc., Ilhan Omar, Minn., Andy Kim, N.J., Ted Lieu, Calif., Abigail Spanberger, Va., and Chris Pappas, N.H.
KEY BACKGROUND Biden announced Sunday afternoon that he would not seek reelection in November, following weeks of pressure from over 30 elected Democrats urging the 81-year-old to exit the race. Their calls came after his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month and numerous speaking gaffes, including once referring to Harris as “Vice President Trump.” Soon after his first statement, Biden released a second endorsing Harris. She is seeing mixed results in polls against Trump but currently fares better than lesser-known Democrats as Biden’s replacement.
CONTRA Former President Barack Obama did not endorse Harris or any other candidate on Sunday. Instead, he advocated for an open nominating process at the Democratic National Convention, expressing “extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges” without mentioning Harris.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR Democrats have a few weeks before they officially choose a presidential nominee. The party’s 4,700 delegates will make their choice during a roll call vote between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7, including the 4,000 delegates who were previously slated to vote for Biden. The Democratic National Convention runs from Aug. 19 until Aug. 22.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW Who Harris will choose as her running mate. Kelly was the first rumored candidate to endorse Harris, followed by Shapiro and Buttigieg. Other potential running mates include Newsom, Cooper, Beshear, Klobuchar, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.
TANGENT The American Federation of Teachers and The United Farm Workers endorsed Harris on Sunday evening, citing her positions on abortion, more resources for families, student debt relief, and workers’ rights. They appear to be the first major unions to endorse her as a presidential candidate.