Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the presidential race has left the Democratic Party scrambling to find a new candidate for the top spot on the ticket.
Here’s a look at some possible contenders:
Kamala Harris Vice President Kamala Harris seems like the natural choice, especially with Biden’s endorsement.
Since Biden’s inauguration in January 2021, Harris has been just a heartbeat away from the Oval Office. At 59, she has broken many barriers, being the first Black person and woman to serve as California’s attorney general, and the first U.S. senator of South Asian descent. She is also the first woman and first Black vice president.
Harris, known for her toughness as a prosecutor, could leverage this in a campaign likely to focus on crime and immigration. However, some progressive Democrats have criticized her for harsh penalties on minor offenses, which they say disproportionately affected minorities.
Her low approval rating might push Democrats to consider other options.
Gavin Newsom There’s no rule that the vice president must replace the presidential candidate, which is why California Governor Gavin Newsom’s name keeps coming up.
At 56, Newsom has led California, the most populous state, for five years, turning it into a stronghold for abortion access. Though he has consistently supported Biden and dismissed talk of replacing him before Biden’s withdrawal, Newsom has not hidden his own presidential ambitions. His increased international travel, numerous ads promoting his record, and significant investment in a political action committee hint at a potential run in 2028, if not sooner.
Gretchen Whitmer Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, 52, is another potential candidate.
Her state boasts a strong working-class base and significant Black and Arab American communities—key voter groups Biden struggled to win over. Whitmer, a vocal Trump critic, gained national attention after being the target of a kidnapping plot by a far-right militia. With Michigan being a critical battleground state in the upcoming election, her supporters argue she would make a strong candidate.
Josh Shapiro Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, leads a crucial swing state in the November race.
Elected with a solid victory in 2022, Shapiro, who has also served as the state’s attorney general, is known for his strong stance against Catholic priests involved in child abuse and for prosecuting Purdue Pharma over the opioid crisis. His effective public speaking and centrist views could help him on the national stage.
Other Names in the Mix Other potential candidates include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, though their chances seem slim for now. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who both ran against Biden in the 2020 primaries, are also being considered.
