President Joe Biden, who was the leading Democratic candidate, has dropped out from the Presidential race. Biden's decision comes amid pressure from fellow Democrats and voters across the United States.
"It had been the greatest honour 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 the term," Biden stated in his official announcement.
Biden's decision to step down comes just ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August 2024, where he was expected to be nominated by Democratic delegates as the official presidential candidate.
The US Election 2024 is scheduled to be held on November 5, 2024. From the Republican party, Donald Trump has been nominated as the presidential candidate.
Who Will Replace Biden?
President Biden's decision to withdraw from the race follows significant pressure from Democrats, particularly after his performance in the CNN debate.
Although Biden has not yet announced his replacement, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to take his place. However, an official confirmation is still pending.
With the President stepping aside, the spot remains open. The final candidate, who will face Donald Trump, is expected to be announced later this week or at the DNC in Chicago in August.
Here is a list of democrat candidates who can replace Joe Biden in the US Presidential Race 2024.
Potential Democratic Candidates For 2024 | List
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris, as Biden's vice-president, appears to be the most straightforward choice. However, she has faced criticism for not establishing a distinct role within the Biden administration and has shown lower approval ratings in polling, which could pose challenges in a competitive election against Donald Trump. Despite these factors, at 59 years old, she was an early supporter of Biden after the debates, potentially making her the party's easiest replacement option. If Biden were to resign now, Harris would automatically assume the presidency.
Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom, the 56-year-old governor of California, dismissed speculation about alternatives to Biden as nominee in a recent spin room appearance, labeling it "nonsensical." He gained national attention through a primetime debate last year with Florida governor Ron DeSantis, hinting at a potential future presidential matchup. Newsom has also actively supported Democratic candidates outside California, fueling speculation about a potential White House bid in the future.
J B Pritzker
J.B. Pritzker, the 59-year-old governor of Illinois, stands out as one of the wealthiest potential candidates. He can highlight his accomplishments, such as codifying the right to abortion in Illinois and designating it a "sanctuary state" for women seeking abortions. Pritzker has also been a staunch advocate for gun control and successfully legalized recreational marijuana in his state.
Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer, at 52 years old, was considered for Biden's VP pick in 2020 and is credited with contributing to the Democratic Party's strong performance in the midterms through her leadership as Michigan's governor. She supports stricter gun laws, repealing abortion bans, and has endorsed universal preschool.
Sherrod Brown
Sherrod Brown, at 71 years old, would be among the older alternative picks, though still younger than Trump by seven years. It was unexpected when he chose not to pursue the Democratic nomination in 2020, citing his commitment to continue advocating for working people as Ohio's senator. Brown is well-known for his advocacy on labor rights and protections, and he has been outspoken in defense of IVF and abortion rights.
Dean Phillips
Dean Phillips, who ran as a candidate in the Democratic primaries earlier this year, garnered some support but failed to gain traction across the broader party, winning no contests. Therefore, he is unlikely to play a significant role if Biden steps down.
