On Sunday, July 21, Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. He was set to face off against Republican candidate Donald Trump in November, and his departure sent shockwaves through the Democratic party. Shortly after, he publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to become the next nominee.
Here’s what we know so far about Biden stepping down and what may happen in the coming months.
Why did Biden step down?
On Wednesday, July 17, Biden tested positive for COVID-19. Days later, in a message to his followers on social media, he emphasized putting his energy into his remaining months in office.
“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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” Biden said.
During his debate against Trump in June, Biden had a difficult showing. It was rumored that he was being pressured to step down from his campaign by Democratic leaders and donors. On July 13, the nation was rattled by a Pennsylvania shooting that left Trump injured in an attempted assassination. Pressure mounted against Biden’s continued pursuit of a second term.
Who will be the next presidential nominee for the Democratic party?
In a statement, Biden thanked his vice president, Kamala Harris, and endorsed her as the Democratic nominee in a tweet.
“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice-president. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” he said. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats—it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Harris is of course well-known to her constituents and a very high-profile Democrat. According to the Guardian, she may also have a legal claim to Biden’s fundraising efforts, which would speed her towards the nomination. The President has promised to share more later this week on a possible future candidate and his decision.
What has Kamala Harris said about Biden’s decision?
Vice President Kamala Harris responded to the announcement in a statement on Sunday, saying that she intends to “earn and win” the Democratic presidential nomination.
“I am honored to have the president’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said. “Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
She went on to praise Biden for his “remarkable legacy of accomplishment” which she claimed is “unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many presidents who have served two terms in office.”
She continued, “With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.”
This post will be updated.
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.
