Vice President Kamala Harris is quickly becoming the presumptive successor to President Biden, according to Democratic strategists, following his announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Democratic leaders, including Biden himself, are already uniting around Harris, solidifying her position as the president’s heir apparent.
Joel Rubin, former Obama administration Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs to the House, told Fox News Digital, “I think that the only practical, logical and ethical thing we do is to coalesce around Kamala Harris in this moment.” Rubin emphasized Harris’s experience and vetting process, having already participated in a large portion of the Democratic primary. He also pointed out that she stands to inherit the Biden campaign’s robust infrastructure and substantial $240 million war chest.
Strategist Antjuan Seawright echoed Rubin’s sentiment, urging Democrats to quickly unite behind the vice president to maintain focus on their message for the remainder of the election. “She is the only person that can inherit the operation that’s been built, as well as the… finances that have been built,” Seawright said. “So I think that’s important, and quite frankly, because 14 million voters have spoken, decisively about the two of them. And in any situation, if it becomes two minus one, she becomes the one.”
Harris’s candidacy is further strengthened by endorsements from former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and the Congressional Black Caucus. In a joint statement, the Clintons expressed their gratitude to President Biden for his service and their support for Vice President Harris. “We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.”
President Biden faced increasing pressure from fellow Democrats to step down from the 2024 race after his less than stellar performance in the CNN Presidential Debate last month. His weak showing raised concerns among his allies about his physical and mental fitness to run a campaign and serve another term.
Jim Kessler, a former senior aide to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), highlighted the significance of Biden’s endorsement in securing Harris’s position as his successor. “I think no matter which Democrats decide to get in the race, Harris is in the pole position,” Kessler told Fox News Digital. “Just remember, like, these are — these are Biden-Harris delegates going to the convention. And there’s a ton of loyalty among convention delegates towards Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”
Kessler emphasized Harris’s strong position heading into the convention, stating, “I can’t predict whether other Democrats will get in the race, but she has by far the strongest position going into the convention… It’s the Biden-Harris administration, and they were voting for the Biden-Harris ticket, and she’s been out… there campaigning.”
While some Democrats, including Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Pete Welch (D-Vt.), along with Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), have advocated for a “mini-primary” process to select a new nominee, Harris herself has signaled her readiness to assume Biden’s role. In a campaign statement, she expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement and declared her intention to win the nomination.
Harris stated, “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
She concluded by emphasizing her commitment to the fight and securing victory: “We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Her previous digital bylines can be found at the Daily Mail and CBS News. You can follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
