Vice President Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, following President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside from the race. Harris’ ascent to the nomination came quickly after Biden’s announcement, with prominent Democrats rallying behind her.
Harris wasted no time in solidifying her position, quickly securing the support of key party leaders and organizations. She also received endorsements from several influential governors, including Wes Moore of Maryland, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky.
Harris’ campaign has already been bolstered by a surge in volunteerism and fundraising. In the first 24 hours after Biden’s endorsement, her campaign received $81 million in contributions, setting a new presidential fundraising record. She has also benefited from the transfer of Biden’s political infrastructure, including over 1,000 staff members and a war chest of nearly $96 million.
Harris is now focused on building her campaign for the general election against Republican Donald Trump. She is expected to lean heavily on themes of unity, economic opportunity, and abortion access. She has also highlighted her experience as a prosecutor, contrasting her record with Trump’s felony convictions.
Biden’s decision to step aside has shifted the political landscape dramatically, leaving Harris with a significant amount of work to do in a short time. She must now choose a running mate and pivot her campaign strategy to focus on her own candidacy instead of Biden’s.
With just over 100 days until Election Day, Harris faces a challenging but potentially rewarding path to the presidency. If elected, she would be the first woman and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office.
