President Joe Biden has decided to withdraw from the presidential race after weeks of mounting pressure from Democrats.
He says it’s “in the best interest of my party and the country” – but will stay on for the final six months of his term.
Joe Biden has endorsed his deputy Kamala Harris as his replacement for Democratic nominee. But that’s not a done deal and things will play out in the coming days.
A short time ago, Gavin Newsom was one of the names talked about as a potential successor to Joe Biden.
White House 2024: Joe Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race and Endorses Kamala Harris
Here are some of the other key names in the frame:
Kamala Harris
The vice-president has Biden’s endorsement – echoed by Bill and Hillary Clinton.
She proved to be a loyal deputy during the recent weeks of pressure. Since they took the White House in 2020, she has become the face of the administration’s campaign to protect reproductive rights.
Gretchen Whitmer
The Michigan governor is an increasingly popular Midwest Democrat who many pundits had been speculating as a presidential candidate for 2028.
She has campaigned for Joe Biden in the past and has not been shy about her political aspirations. But for now, she says her job “remains the same”.
Gavin Newsom
The governor of California has been quick out of the blocks to praise Joe Biden as “one of the most impactful and selfless presidents” America has known.
He, too, has been suggested as a potential candidate for the White House in 2028, having become one of the Biden administration’s fiercest surrogates who raised his national profile in recent years.
Pete Buttigieg
It’s no secret that the transportation secretary has presidential aspirations.
He ran for the White House in 2020 and is often touted as one of the Biden administration’s best communicators. He’s had to deal with a number of crises while in office.
