That was fast.
Most of the big-name Democrats with speculated aspirations for the presidency have thrown their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s standard bearer — likely in hopes of becoming her VP and largely snuffing out the risk of her facing a bruising political fight for the nod.
Democrats will face a rapid veepstakes scrum as the party scrambles to line up its presidential ticket in time to comply with state laws governing ballot access. The party will meet later this week to decide if it will proceed with a pre-Democratic National Convention vote or host an open convention during the event.
President Biden quickly endorsed Harris after dropping out Sunday, helping motivate top Democrats who were seen as possible challengers against her to yield as the party seeks to unify for the Nov. 5 election. Should Harris ultimately lock down the nomination, as widely predicted, the current vice president will need to quickly find a running mate.
Here are the top Democrats who have endorsed Harris amid the scramble for VP.
Gavin Newsom
“Tough. Fearless. Tenacious. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, @KamalaHarris,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X.
Gretchen Whitmer
“Today, I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “Vice President Harris has my full support. So Michigan, let’s get to work. We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Let’s go!”
JB Pritzker
“When I spoke to Vice President Harris, I told her that President Biden’s selfless decision came as a genuine surprise,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said.
“Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans,” he added.
Pete Buttigieg
“Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.
“I have seen her extraordinary leadership firsthand, working closely with her during the 2020 campaign and then in the historically effective Biden-Harris administration. I will do all that I can to help her win this election to lead America forward as our next President,” he added.
Wes Moore
“I had lengthy conversations with both the President and the Vice President yesterday, and I offered my full support for Kamala Harris’ candidacy to both of them directly,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement.
“Vice President Harris has the experience, record, vision, and wisdom to unify the country,” he added.
Andy Beshear
“I am excited to fully endorse Vice President Harris for the next president of the United States. The VP is smart and strong which will make her a good president. But she’s also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Monday.
Roy Cooper
“If you want a nominee who can put Trump’s destruction of Roe at center stage, if you want a nominee who actually prosecuted criminals like Trump, and if you want a nominee who can put Trump’s age and fitness in the forefront, Harris is the person,” outgoing North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday.
Josh Shapiro
“The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement.
“The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania — where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.”
Jared Polis
“Americans want to turn the page. We want a new generation of leaders to lead us into a future where we have more freedoms, an economy that grows the middle class, where we save people money and we address climate change,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
“I am thrilled to support Vice President Harris — Kamala has a vision of hope and a future we all
can believe in.”
A potential challenger passes
Rumors quickly swirled Sunday night that Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV), who recently left the Democratic Party, was mulling a switch back to challenge Harris. By Monday morning, he ruled that out.
But unlike the other Democrats with rumored presidential ambitions, Manchin refrained from endorsing Harris.
“I am not going to be a candidate for president,” Manchin told “CBS Mornings” on Monday, noting that he wants an open process to select the nominee.