Who Might Challenge Harris for the Democratic Nomination?
Kamala Harris starts in driver's seat as Biden's 2024 replacement — but it's no guarantee
Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would end his re-election campaign and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, as his successor. "I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be our party's nominee this year," he posted on X. "Democrats — it's time to come together and beat Trump."
However, Harris's nomination is not guaranteed. In the weeks leading up to Biden's withdrawal, several other potential replacements have been discussed. While many have paid tribute to Biden following his announcement, notably, almost none have explicitly supported Harris's endorsement.
Delegates will vote next month at the Democratic National Convention to officially confirm who will replace Biden. Here is a look at the potential challengers to Harris.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer, the two-term governor of Michigan, is an increasingly popular Midwest Democrat whom many pundits speculate will run for president in 2028. She has campaigned for Biden in the past and has been open about her political ambitions. In an interview with the New York Times, she expressed her desire to see a Generation X president in 2028 but stopped short of suggesting she might be that candidate.
In 2022, Whitmer led a campaign that resulted in Michigan Democrats gaining control of the state's legislature and the governor's office. This political control allowed her to enact several progressive policies, including protecting abortion access in Michigan and passing gun safety measures.
Following Biden's withdrawal, Whitmer quickly stated that her focus "will remain the same... doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump." However, this statement did not constitute an endorsement of Harris.
California Governor Gavin Newsom
California's governor, Gavin Newsom, is one of the Biden administration's staunchest supporters, but he has his own political ambitions. Frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 candidate, many Democratic pundits now speculate that he could replace Biden.
Newsom has raised his national profile in recent years by serving as a key party spokesperson on conservative media and participating in a debate against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last year. Before Biden's announcement, Newsom demonstrated his loyalty by traveling to Washington in July for meetings with Biden and other top Democratic governors, and by headlining a Biden campaign event in Michigan on July 4.
After Biden's withdrawal, Newsom praised the president as "selfless" in a brief statement on Twitter. However, he did not mention his own intentions nor comment on the endorsement of Harris.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's presidential ambitions are well known. After running for president in 2020, he is frequently cited as one of the Biden administration's top communicators.
During his tenure as transportation secretary, Buttigieg has navigated several public crises, including overseeing the government response to the East Palestine train derailment in Ohio, the Baltimore bridge collapse, and Southwest Airlines' scheduling issues in 2022.
Buttigieg praised Biden on Twitter/X, stating that Biden had "earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history." However, he did not address his stance on Harris's endorsement.
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor
Josh Shapiro has enjoyed high approval ratings since his election in 2022 as governor of a swing state that Trump narrowly won in 2016. Previously the state's attorney general, Shapiro has worked across party lines during his tenure.
He gained national attention last year by rapidly rebuilding a collapsed bridge on a key Philadelphia highway, a notable achievement for a first-term governor. This swift repair was widely seen as a strong infrastructure talking point for a potential 2028 presidential run.
After Biden announced his withdrawal from the election, Shapiro praised him as one of the "most consequential presidents in modern history." However, like many others mentioned as potential replacements, Shapiro did not address future plans or comment on the endorsement of Harris.
JB Pritzker, Illinois governor
JB Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, has raised his profile in recent years by taking a strong stance against Trump and defending Biden. As a billionaire businessman and heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, Pritzker is known for his frequent social media criticisms of Trump, recently calling him a "liar" and a "34-count convicted felon who cares only about himself."
Like Whitmer, Pritzker has a record of advancing progressive priorities, including on abortion rights and gun control. He has not yet commented on Biden's decision to withdraw from the election race.
Other possible candidates?
The list of potential Democratic nominees extends beyond the names already mentioned, reflecting the party's deep bench of possible future candidates.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a two-term Democrat in a highly conservative state, has gained increasing national attention since his re-election last year.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently drew attention following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker, both of whom have previously run for president, also have notable name recognition within the party.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, who won a tightly contested Senate race in a swing state, has been suggested as a possible successor to Biden.
A Reuters IPSOS poll released Tuesday indicated that Michelle Obama was the only potential candidate who could defeat Trump in November. However, the former first lady has consistently stated that she has no interest in running for president.
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