After President Biden announced that he would withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris gained the support of a large number of delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination. The Associated Press reported that more than 1,500 delegates expressed their intention to support Harris at the Democratic National Convention in August. After Harris' announcement, Biden endorsed her as the Democratic presidential candidate, saying in a statement:
Fellow Democrats, I have decided not to seek the nomination and to focus all my efforts on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My first decision as the party's candidate in 2020 was to select Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it was the best decision I have made. Today, I want to fully endorse and support Kamala to be this year's party's nominee. Fellow Democrats, now is the time to unite and defeat Trump. Let's do it.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) endorsed Harris, saying Democrats must come together to elect her, posting on X:
Today, with great pride and boundless optimism for the future of our country, I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. My enthusiastic support for President Kamala Harris is official, personal and political. In the Democratic Party, diversity is strength and unity is power. Now we must forge ahead together, resoundingly defeat Donald Trump, and enthusiastically elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States. Let's forge ahead to victory!
California Governor Gavin Newsom worked closely with Harris when he served as San Francisco's district attorney during Harris' two terms as mayor. Newsom said he couldn't think of a better candidate, stating in an X:
Tough. Fearless. Resilient. At a time when our democracy and future are at stake, there is no one better suited than America's Vice President, @KamalaHarris, to denounce Donald Trump's dark vision and steer our country in a healthier direction.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said Harris was chosen by voters to succeed Biden, saying at the X:
I endorse Kamala Harris for President. She is a proven fighter and national leader in protecting consumers and protecting access to abortion. As a former prosecutor, she can make a strong case to stop Donald Trump from returning to the White House. Our party has many talented individuals, but Vice President Harris is the one chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden, if necessary. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (R-NY) also endorsed Harris, giving her full support in a statement on X.
Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge all my support to ensure her victory in November. Now, more than ever, it is vital that our party and our country come together quickly to defeat Donald Trump and the threats to American democracy. Let's get to work.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg voiced his support for Harris, saying he has worked closely with her throughout the Biden-Harris administration, saying on X:
“Kamala Harris is now the right person to defeat Donald Trump and succeed Joe Biden as President. I worked closely with her during the 2020 campaign and then in the historically effective Biden-Harris Administration and have seen her extraordinary leadership firsthand. I will do everything in my power to help her win this election and lead America forward as our next President.
