Kamala Harris to Run for President Following Biden’s Support

Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed her candidacy for the presidency on Sunday, following President Joe Biden’s pivotal endorsement. This support is expected to significantly boost her chances of securing the Democratic nomination at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

Harris, 59, expressed gratitude for Biden’s “extraordinary leadership” and his endorsement. She stated, “I am honored to have earned his endorsement. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

Following this announcement, the Biden campaign updated its name to “Harris for President” in a Federal Election Commission filing. Biden declared he would “stand down” from the election to “focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” endorsing Harris soon after. In his endorsement, Biden emphasized that selecting Harris as his running mate in 2020 was the “best decision I’ve made,” and he offered his “full support” to her as the Democratic candidate. Biden’s endorsement is a significant advantage for Harris in a potentially competitive nomination process, influencing delegates at next month’s Democratic National Convention.

Key Democratic figures quickly rallied behind Harris, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. Harris praised Biden’s decision as a “selfless and patriotic act,” stating, “With this act, President Biden is putting the American people and our country above everything else. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

Initially, Biden was the primary winner and set to receive the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August. Despite there being no rules for Biden to pass on his votes, his endorsement of Harris is expected to influence delegates. Over 3,800 of the nearly 4,700 delegates had pledged to vote for Biden. Dozens of current and former delegates have already endorsed Harris. The exact proceedings of the Democratic National Convention remain uncertain. Some Democrats prefer an open convention, allowing delegates to vote freely. Others suggest a mini-primary process with debates and town halls to introduce potential candidates. However, Biden’s endorsement likely deters major Democratic challengers.

Harris can access the Biden campaign funds as the account was registered under both candidates’ names. The campaign, now named “Harris for President,” had $96 million in cash as of June 1. Biden faced increasing calls to drop out after a debate where he seemed confused. Prominent Democrats expressed concerns about his ability to win and suggested passing the torch to someone more capable. Harris, a likely successor, has polled similarly to Biden against Trump and outperformed other potential Democratic replacements. If elected, Harris would be the first woman, Black woman, and person of South Asian descent to hold the presidency.

Harris’s choice for vice president remains uncertain. Potential running mates include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Trump expressed confidence in beating Harris, considering her an easier opponent than Biden. Billionaire Bill Ackman and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) were critical, with Welch withholding endorsement. Interestingly, Trump and his daughter Ivanka had previously donated to Harris during her tenure as California’s attorney general.