WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Sunday she will seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for president following President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race.
“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,” Harris said in a statement. “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.”
Harris begins her campaign with a massive advantage, including millions in funds she can inherit, as well as rapid endorsements from key party leaders such as Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Harris, who is also the first woman to be Vice President, would become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to become a major-party nominee.
A source close to the Harris campaign said the Vice President has been working phones to get support from several Democratic leaders.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a statement praising Biden “and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania,” before releasing another statement backing Harris.
“The best party forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency,” said Shapiro. “The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania — where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been discussed by many as a future presidential candidate and promised to help ensure Donald Trump does not win in November.
“My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” she said in a statement.
