The White House is not expecting Vice President Kamala Harris to face a serious challenge after President Biden’s endorsement, with top potential contenders like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer opting out and California Gov. Gavin Newsom backing Harris. Other potential contenders like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper are also unlikely to run in light of Biden’s support for Harris and her expected fundraising advantage.
Delegates at the Democratic National Convention are showing early signs of uniting around Harris, with one Massachusetts delegate expressing belief in her nomination, while a political coordinator for the Minnesota AFL-CIO wishes the process of replacing Biden had started earlier but still supports the president.
“When we were voting for Biden, we were also voting for Kamala Harris,” said Lee Cutler, emphasizing the unity within the Democratic Party. Despite some regrets about the timing of succession, many delegates are proud of Biden and see Harris as the logical next step.