Gavin Newsom endorses Kamala Harris: California Governor considered top Biden replacement takes his name out of 2024 running by backing VP
California Governor Gavin Newsom has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden withdrew from the race.
The surprise show of support comes just hours after Joe Biden made the shock announcement that he will no longer seek re-election.
Biden endorsed Harris shortly after he withdrew, and there has been much question since then about who will be the Democratic nominee.
“Tough. Fearless. Persistent. With our democracy at stake and our future at stake, no one is better positioned to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and lead our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President,” Newsom posted on X Sunday night, hours after Biden withdrew.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris both came to power from the San Francisco Bay Area. Newsom’s endorsement of Harris extends the two’s long, intertwined political careers and shows solidarity between the two
Newsom had previously told DailyMail.com that it was “ridiculous” to think President Joe Biden would be replaced as the Democratic nominee
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (left) stands with California Governor Gavin Newsom during a campaign rally against his recall election in 2021.
Newsom was previously thought to be considering a run for the White House if Biden withdrew.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris both came to power from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Newsom’s support for Harris is a sign of the two’s long, intertwined political careers and shows the solidarity between the two.
The California governor has been traveling the country as Biden’s deputy, fueling talk of Newsom as a potential presidential candidate after Biden’s term ends.
He also went head-to-head with rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Fox News, introducing him to conservatives across the country who may not have been entirely familiar with Newsom’s slicked-back look.
The governor has been a staunch ally of Biden, even during his debate debacle.
Earlier this month, he also confirmed that he would not challenge Harris for president in 20204 — a pledge he made long ago. He recently said that “of course” he would not run against her.
Newsom said Harris has been fearless and persistent in his support.
The same night as the disastrous debate, Newsom denied to DailyMail.com that he would take the Democratic nomination if Biden withdrew his candidacy.
He dismissed claims that he could replace Joe Biden on the presidential ballot as “ridiculous.”
He said it was “really painful” to have to respond to questions about whether he could be a replacement for the 81-year-old.
The California governor made the comments to DailyMail.com while walking the red carpet in CNN’s spin room ahead of the presidential debate in Atlanta between Biden and Donald Trump.
Moments later, Biden struggled through what even Democrats described as a “painful” 90 minutes, repeatedly losing his thread and digressing.
But Newsom, who many believe will run for president in the future, praised Biden’s performance and criticized Trump.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the idea that he would replace Joe Biden as the Democratic frontrunner is “ridiculous” and that Biden is his man. But now that Biden is out, Harris is Newsom’s preferred candidate
When asked specifically by DailyMail.com whether he would be willing to replace Biden if the president withdraws before this year’s election, Newsom declined.
“It’s a non sequitur. I don’t even understand the context of it,” he replied.