President Biden announced on Sunday that he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, sending shockwaves through the American political system and leaving delegates he won in the primaries to search for alternatives.
Biden made the announcement in a post on X amid growing pressure to step down from the race and “pass the baton” to another candidate. Shortly after, Biden said he “fully endorses and supports” Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s presidential nominee.
But it was unclear at this stage whether delegates would unanimously support Harris leading the nomination at next month’s Democratic National Convention.
Two representatives who spoke to Fox News Digital said they support Harris, while a third said they were eager to hear more about her “plan.”
Biden withdraws from 2024 rematch with Trump, ends bid for second term in White House
Biden announced Sunday that he would not seek reelection, shortly after which he offered his “full support and endorsement” of Vice President Kamala Harris as his party’s presidential nominee. (Getty Images)
At a party convention, candidates must receive the support of a majority of the party’s roughly 4,000 delegates (party officials who officially select the candidates). Delegates are allocated to candidates based on the results of each state’s primary elections.
The Democratic Party has “pledged” and “non-pledged” delegates. Pledged delegates must vote for the candidate who wins the primary or caucus in their state, while non-pledged delegates can vote for any candidate. In the Democratic Party, non-pledged delegates are called “superdelegates” and are sitting officeholders and party leaders who can support any candidate.
The total number of delegates needed to win is 1,976 Democratic presidential nominationBiden won roughly 3,900 delegates in this year’s primary elections across the country in recent months. Those delegates had “pledged” to support his candidacy before Biden decided to drop out, according to Democratic National Committee rules.
“We’ve said from day one when these rumors started that we support President Biden unless President Biden gives us some kind of direction, and he gave us that direction this morning,” said Democratic delegate and Rep.-elect Samantha Hope Herring. Democratic National Convention from Florida.
“We trust his judgment and know that we want to see the best job continue with the most qualified person who can fill the job at this time, and we are 100% behind Kamala Harris,” Herring added. “The Florida delegation that I’m speaking with is 100% behind President Biden in endorsing Kamala Harris.”
Biden endorses Kamala Harris, who dropped out of 2024 presidential race
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally in Las Vegas on June 28, 2024. (Bizayev Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Herring said the endorsement of Harris has made delegates feel “very strong” and encouraged them to support the continuation of Biden administration policies.
Democrat Karl Gentles Representative from Arizonatold Fox he supports Harris and intends to vote for her at the caucus.
“While it is unfortunate news that Biden has decided not to seek reelection, he has demonstrated that leadership begins with putting country first above all else. He understands what is at stake for the future of our country and how important it is to win this election,” Gentles said. “I support Vice President Harris and will be voting for her at the Democratic National Convention.”
“Democrats now have a new opportunity to attract undecided, young and independent voters, and in Vice President Harris we have an opportunity to back a vibrant and experienced leader, and there are few people more qualified than her, having served with distinction as Attorney General of California, United States Senator and Vice President,” he added.
Colorado Democratic delegate Eileen Bonham expressed an openness to Harris being nominated, thanking the president for her efforts and claiming to be impressed by her “intelligence and integrity.”
“I want to thank President Biden for his decades of dedicated service to our country. As a pledged delegate, I respect his decision not to run for re-election and believe it demonstrates his commitment to putting country and democracy first,” Bonham said.
“I look forward to hearing more from Vice President Harris about her plans. I have always been impressed with her intellect and integrity,” she added.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris take the stage at the Reproductive Freedom Campaign rally at George Mason University on January 23, 2024 in Manassas, Virginia. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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Maribel Balvin, Democratic Representative Miami, Florida, He said he would consider Biden’s endorsement of Harris.
“I understand this was not an easy decision, but I know the president studied the data, and the latest polls and messages from leadership were enough for him to ultimately make his decision,” she said. “He has put the future of his country and his party above his own future. I respect his decision and will consider supporting him, and I look forward to seeing how the process unfolds in making that decision.”
Democrats will formally choose their nominee at their convention, but before Biden’s announcement, they had reportedly planned to nominate Biden and Harris ahead of the convention.
The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago from August 19th to 22nd.
