With President Joe Biden’s re-election bid in 2024 under increasing scrutiny, replacement speculation heats up. Here is a rundown of the top contenders who could step in if Biden ultimately decides to step aside.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris represents the most visible and obvious candidate to step in and replace Biden. As Vice President, she has tremendous name identification and has been a steadfast supporter of the Biden administration. Even with mixed approval ratings, some polls indicate she might perform better against Donald Trump, most notably with two of the key demographics: Black and Hispanic voters. However, her past as a prosecutor and concerns over her general effectiveness in office raise issues when examining her candidacy.
Governor Gavin Newsom
One of the strongest contenders for the position would be California Governor Gavin Newsom. Having spoken out in very loud support for Biden and his progressive policies, Newsom has used media appearances and debates to raise his national profile. His experience and ambition thus make him quite a viable alternative if Biden steps out of the race. For many Democratic voters, especially on social issues, he has put up a quite strong record of experience while working in California.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Governor, has seen her stock rise in the party due to her impressive governance record and firm stance on many progressive policies. She has been coveting higher office and might join in case of a drop by Biden. Whitmer’s luck with big legislative wins in Michigan adds to her credibility.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Also in contention would be Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who had earlier run for president in 2020. His gift for communication and decorum with which he managed several crises have made him somebody the party holds in high regard. Buttigieg’s youthful energy and extremely liberal stance could resonate well with voters looking for a fresh face.
Gov. Josh Shapiro
One of those is Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has been in the news for his bipartisan efforts and high approval ratings within a crucial swing state. His potential ability to connect with both sides of the aisle makes him an immediate credible candidate if Biden were to bow out.
Potential problems
Such a replacement of the incumbent would be unprecedented and highly troublesome for the Democrats. In case Biden were to drop out, the Democratic National Convention would need to undertake an exceedingly complicated process for choosing a new nominee, which can end up as an contested convention. It might create fissures in the party months before the election.
Although Kamala Harris appears to be the obvious stand-in for Biden at this point in time, other natural starters for the position would be Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Pete Buttigieg, and Josh Shapiro. All of this may change as the political winds blow, depending on Biden and his Democratic Party in these crucial months prior to the election.
Key Democrats pushing for Biden to withdraw
- Senator Jon Tester of Montana: In a new interview, Tester said he is open to new leadership, adding that maybe it is time for Biden to retire and for a newer generation to take the reins. His comments captured the dynamic shared by several in his party who wonder if Biden has a path to victory next year.
- Representative Jim Costa of California: He joined Tester in calling for Biden not to run for re-election, arguing that the party needed new leadership to further its legacy. His remarks piled on to the increasing pressure from within the party on Biden.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: Schumer has apparently had conversations with Biden about losing the election and even told him it would be best for the party if he did not run for re-election. After all, he is the lead figure in the Senate, indicative of the kind of discussion happening.
- Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries: Jeffries has also privately expressed concerns about Biden’s campaign, participating in a number of private meetings about the political dynamics and whether the president can win against Donald Trump.
- Representative Suzan DelBene: DelBene is one of the Democrats who expressed concern over Biden’s candidacy. It has been a symbol of an increasing number of voices pressing for a reassessment of his campaign.
- Adam, a confidant of Nancy Pelosi: The fact that one unnamed ally broke the seal by publicly imploring Biden to step aside means others in the party are thinking about it too.
