Article Summary –
President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, citing it was in the best interest of his party and the country. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, urging Democrats to unite behind her, while the party prepares for an open convention in August to select a new nominee.
President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection after a debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a campaign thunderstrike unlike any in American history.
Biden will serve out his term, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.
Nearly 30 minutes later, Biden endorsed Harris, the party’s favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago.
Biden’s decision came while isolating at his Delaware beach house after a COVID-19 diagnosis. Senior campaign and White House staff were notified just minutes before the letter went out.
This announcement is the latest jolt to a campaign both parties see as the most consequential in generations, coming after the attempted assassination of Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.
Now, Democrats urgently need to bring coherence to the nominating process and persuade voters that their nominee can handle the job and beat Trump. Trump must now focus on a new opponent after years of targeting Biden.
The decision marks an end to Biden’s 52 years in electoral politics, as donors, lawmakers and aides expressed doubts about his capability for another term.
Harris, 59, appears to be the natural successor, largely because she can directly access the Biden campaign’s war chest per federal campaign finance rules. However, a smooth transition is not guaranteed.
Democratic officials, including Sen. Jon Tester, praised Biden’s decision. Tester thanked Biden in a press release, saying, “I respect President Biden’s decision and believe it is the right thing to do for our country.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Biden for putting the country and Democratic Party first. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called Biden “one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history.”
Montana Democratic Party Director Sheila Hogan praised Biden’s accomplishments, saying, “We respect President Biden’s decision and thank him for a lifetime of public service.”
Biden’s wife, Jill Biden, responded to the announcement by reposting Biden’s letter with red heart emojis. Granddaughter Naomi Biden Neal said, “I’m nothing but proud of my Pop.”
Can Biden redirect his delegates?
Biden won every state primary and caucus earlier this year, securing at least 3,896 delegates. Current party rules do not permit Biden to pass them to another candidate, but his endorsement will likely be influential.
What could happen at the convention?
With Biden stepping aside, Democrats start with an open convention. Realistically, his endorsement complicates things. Harris needs to solidify support across almost 4,000 delegates plus more than 700 superdelegates.
Will anyone challenge Harris?
Even before Biden’s decision, Democrats floated California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as potential contenders. However, given how important Black voters are, it would be risky to pass over Harris.
What happens to Biden’s campaign money?
Biden’s campaign has $91 million cash on hand. Allied Democratic campaign committees bring the total to more than $240 million. Harris could control these funds since the campaign is set up in her name as well as Biden’s.
How will a vice presidential nomination work?
The vice presidential nomination is always a separate convention vote. If Harris secures support quickly, she can name her choice and have the delegates ratify it.
Can Republicans keep Harris off state ballots?
State laws typically do not prescribe how parties choose their nominees. GOP figures like Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey have ensured routine ballot access for Democrats.
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