Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer swatted away any speculation that she is quietly angling to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.
The prominent Democrat, who endorsed Harris earlier in the day and announced that she would remain co-chair of the newly rebranded Harris for President campaign, explained that she intends to stay in the Wolverine State.
“No, I’m not planning to go anywhere,” Whitmer told a WLNS reporter Monday when asked if she’d accept a hypothetical offer to be vice president, adding that she is “not leaving Michigan.”
“I am proud to be the governor of Michigan. I have been consistent,” she said. “I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over again. I am not going anywhere.”
When asked why she did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris right away, instead waiting until Monday morning to back Harris, the governor explained that she was “surprised” by Biden’s sudden exit.
What to know about President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:
- President Biden announced Sunday he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race — after weeks of prominent Democrats and donors calling on him to withdraw following his disastrous performance in the first presidential debate.
- In a letter posted on X Sunday afternoon, Biden admitted that it is in the “best interest of my party and country” for him to step down as the Democratic nominee.
- Biden wrote that he intends to serve out the remainder of his term and will address the country on his decision later this week.
- In a follow-up X post, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the suddenly open Democratic nomination. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” the president wrote.
- Former President Donald Trump reacted to the news by labeling Biden the “worst president in the history of our country” in a call with CNN.
“I wanted a minute to check in with all my colleagues and let the dust settle,” she said.
Whitmer’s name has long been floated as a potential vice presidential contender, especially given her status as the governor of a battleground state.
She has repeatedly shot down speculation that she might jump in and try to receive the Democratic nod for the presidency.
After dropping out, Biden endorsed Harris, and most top Democrats quickly followed suit and rallied around her. Whitmer lavished praise on the current VP in her endorsement.
“I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” she said in a statement.
“In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people,” she added.
Assuming she becomes the Democrats presidential nominee, Harris is staring down a very short timeline to make her VP decision. The Democratic National Convention is less than a month away and will take place from Aug. 19-22.
The latest on President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:
- Biden drops out of presidential race after Democratic revolt following disastrous debate: ‘Best interest of the country’
- Biden drops out of presidential race: live updates
- NY Dems are already lining up behind Kamala Harris to replace Biden — with these big exceptions
- Biden delayed dropping out partly because he doubted Harris’ chances against Trump: report
- Miranda Devine: Joe Biden is too frail to run in 2024 but he’s still our president?
Moreover, ballot deadlines in various states are fast approaching.
Democrats previously planned to coronate their nominee virtually with a vote in advance of the convention, but now the party’s rules committee is set to meet Wednesday and discuss the path forward.
Other prominent Democrats whose names have been floated as potential running mates for Harris have declined to rule out the possibility.
“Look, if they if they do the polling and it turns out that they need a 49-year-old, bald and gay Jew from Boulder, Colorado, they got my number,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) quipped on CNN Monday.