President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw as the Democratic Party’s nominee for president creates an opportunity for other contenders to vie for the spot in November. Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered support from Biden and key Democrats have quickly rallied around her candidacy. However, the smoothness of her path to the nomination remains uncertain. Here are some of the top contenders for the Democratic ticket:
Kamala Harris
Born in Oakland, California, Vice President Kamala Harris draws inspiration from Thurgood Marshall and often reminisces about her upbringing with parents deeply involved in the civil rights movement.
Her father, an economist, and her mother, a cancer specialist, met at the University of California, Berkeley, where they were active advocates for justice. Harris, a graduate of Howard University, is the first female vice president and person of color to hold the office. She won a Senate seat in 2016 after serving as California’s attorney general.
As vice president, Harris has taken on challenging tasks like securing the nation’s borders and presiding over the Senate. She has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and other progressive issues.
Married to Los Angeles lawyer Douglas Emhoff, Harris has become a prominent figure in Democratic politics.
— By Christopher Weber
J.B. Pritzker
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is the wealthiest politician in the U.S. with a fortune from the Hyatt Hotel family. He has overseen a balanced budget, paid down state debt, and implemented new laws to improve education and healthcare.
Pritzker defeated the incumbent governor in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. He has been critical of Trump and has a national presence through his political organization, “Think Big America.”
— By John O’Connor
Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gained national prominence during the Trump administration for her opposition to the former president. She has focused on reproductive rights and led her state through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whitmer’s strong reelection in 2022 positioned her as a leading advocate for reproductive freedom and a potential presidential nominee in the future.
— By Joey Cappelletti
Gavin Newsom
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a long career in politics, starting as a volunteer in San Francisco and eventually becoming mayor and lieutenant governor. With a focus on civil rights, environmental protection, and education, Newsom has positioned himself as a champion of progressive values.
— By Christopher Weber
Josh Shapiro
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is known for his attacks on Trump and his advocacy for progressive causes. As a successful state attorney general and governor, Shapiro has proven himself as a formidable candidate with a moderate stance on key issues.
— By Marc Levy
Roy Cooper
North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has a strong record of six statewide election wins and is known for his advocacy for public education and abortion rights. Despite facing challenges from a Republican-controlled Legislature, Cooper has managed to push through landmark legislation.
— By Gary Robertson
Andy Beshear
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has emerged as a rising star in Democratic politics by winning in a predominantly Republican state. With a focus on everyday issues like jobs, education, and healthcare, Beshear has built a reputation for empathy and strong leadership.
— By Bruce Schreiner
Mark Kelly
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona is a former astronaut who has successfully transitioned into politics as a moderate voice in a traditionally Republican state. With a focus on national security and the environment, Kelly has become a respected figure in Arizona.
—By Jonathan J. Cooper
Reported by Weber, O’Connor, Cappelletti, Levy, Schreiner, Robertson, and Cooper.