Kamala Harris Tops List of Democratic Ticket Contenders

President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election as the Democratic Party’s nominee opens the field for other potential candidates. While Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, it remains to be seen how smoothly her path to the nomination will be. Here are some of the leading contenders for the Democratic ticket:

 

Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris, born in Oakland, California, often cites Thurgood Marshall as an inspiration and speaks of her upbringing with parents deeply involved in the civil rights movement. Her father, an economist, and her mother, a cancer specialist, met as graduate students at the University of California, Berkeley, where they were active in justice-related causes.

In 2020, Biden chose Harris as his running mate, describing her as a “fearless fighter for the little guy.” As Vice President, she has been highly visible in the campaign, supporting the Biden-Harris ticket. Harris is the first female vice president, the first person of color, and the first individual from a historically Black college or university to hold the office. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 and served as California’s attorney general, where she focused on issues like the mortgage crisis, for-profit colleges, and environmental violations.

Harris, 59, is married to Los Angeles lawyer Douglas Emhoff.

 

J.B. Pritzker

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune and the richest politician in the U.S., has a net worth of $3.4 billion. He won the governorship in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022, defeating a Trump-endorsed Republican. Pritzker has managed balanced budgets, paid down state debt, and secured credit upgrades. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and support for progressive issues like abortion rights have boosted his national profile.

 

Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer gained prominence within the Democratic Party after her 2018 election. She became a key opponent of President Trump, delivering the Democratic response to his 2020 State of the Union address and clashing with him over the pandemic response. In 2022, Whitmer’s focus on reproductive rights led to a significant re-election victory and solidified her status as a potential future presidential candidate.

 

Gavin Newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a native of San Francisco, began his political career volunteering for Mayor Willie Brown. He became nationally known for directing the San Francisco clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004. As governor, Newsom has pursued a progressive agenda and maintained a high national profile by challenging Republican presidential candidates and defending President Biden.

 

Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a rising political star, has been a strong surrogate for Biden. Shapiro, 51, has won three statewide races and is known for his disciplined campaign style and focus on bipartisanship. He has also been vocal against antisemitism and supports abortion rights.

 

Roy Cooper

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has a long history of winning elections in a predominantly Republican state. Cooper, 67, has focused on public education and abortion rights while navigating a legislature controlled by Republicans. His ability to maintain strong job-approval ratings despite political challenges makes him a notable contender.

 

Andy Beshear

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has gained recognition by winning re-election in a heavily Republican state. Beshear, who supports abortion rights, has been praised for his empathetic leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. His focus on economic growth and Christian faith has resonated with many voters.

 

Mark Kelly

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, has positioned himself as a moderate in a historically Republican state. Kelly’s political career gained attention following the shooting of his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. In the Senate, Kelly has focused on national security, military issues, and the drought in the U.S. West.

These candidates reflect a diverse and experienced group within the Democratic Party, each bringing unique strengths to the potential presidential race following Biden’s decision to step down.