To the surprise of few, President Joe Biden on Sunday announced in a statement he will not be running for President.
“Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation,” Biden wrote in a statement which laid out his successes including expanding affordable health care and appointing the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. “I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people,” the statement said. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And 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 to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
For weeks, President Biden had been catching pressure from every angle to bow out of the 2024 presidential election following his wildly-criticized showing at the June 27 debate with former president Donald Trump. Though he dug in his heels and refused to resign his space in the race, everyone had been talking about who might serve as a replacement on the ticket.
Perhaps the most obvious successor is Vice President Kamala Harris. She has the political background and White House experience to succeed Biden, and she’s likely the easiest choice for Democrats to back considering no one else has been (publicly) vetted for an election happening in less than four months.
As Trump has announced his own running mate, J.D. Vance, on last Monday — the same day he also officially secured the Republican nomination — it’s time we start thinking about whom Harris might pick as a running mate if she runs.
Hakeem Jeffries
Starting off strong, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, is a great pick for Harris’ running mate. Though he has not officially endorsed Biden for reelection, Jeffries has proven to be an influential voice in his party.
The New York native is the highest ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives. His leadership experience and ability to delegate between parties could prove useful for a Harris-Jeffries ticket.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Is America ready for an all female presidential ticket? Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, 52, has made a name for herself by quickly moving up the ranks of Michigan’s political scene. Serving as governor since 2019, Whitmer is a vocal supporter of the Biden-Harris Administration.
When asked if she would serve as Harris’ VP, Whitmer told ABC’s “The View” she would “never say never,” according to the Hill. The Michigan native insists she is set on completing her term as state leader, but recent polls already put her as a possible replacement for Biden should he choose to drop from the 2024 presidential race.
Raphael Warnock
First popping on the scene during his 2020 Senate bid representing Georgia, Sen. Raphael Warnock is a vocal force for Black issues throughout Georgia, where he’s serving as the first Black senator in history, according to his website.
If chosen to run alongside Harris, Warnock could help garner Black voters around the country but especially in a the battleground state of Georgia, which recently turned blue.
Gov. Gavin Newsom
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is another rising star in the Democratic Party. Even though many have accused him of running a “shadow campaign” for president, Newsom remains a popular choice, representing a charismatic alternative for Harris’ running mate.
The biggest issue a Harris-Newsom ticket would need to overcome is the fact that both he and Harris are from the Golden State: the duo would more than likely face backlash from conservatives critics. Nevertheless, Newsom has formed international relationships with leaders from China and Israel that could prove useful if selected as VP.
Stacey Abrams
In 2023, Georgia Dem. Stacey Abrams told voters she would “likely run again” after losing the governor election twice to Gov. Brian Kemp. In a twist in events, eyes are on Abrams to see exactly how she’d feel about running alongside Harris. In 2020, Abrams made her case as Joe Biden’s would-be running mate, according to CNN. If picked, a Harris-Abrams ticket would be the first in history to represent two Black women.
Outside of making history, Abrams is a celebrity in her own right. The author and activist was solely responsible for exposing voter suppression in Georgia during the 2018 election and registering more than 800,000 voters, according to Politico. Americans see Abrams as the people’s champion, and if she decides to come back for a new election, Harris could be the perfect candidate to do so.
Keisha Lance Bottoms
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms might not have run for reelection in Georgia, but she is not done with her political career. Atlanta News First reported Bottoms is a new member of the Biden campaign for reelection.
With experience leading one of the largest cities in the nation tied with her ongoing relationship with the Biden Administration, it would make total sense for Bottoms to be in the vice president conversation. As a graduate from Florida A&M University, a Biden-Harris ticket would be a huge win for Black women and for HBCU representation.
Gov. Josh Shapiro
Picking Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as Harris’ running mate would increase the chances of turning the state blue. As of right now, polls show Pennsylvania as leaning towards Trump, but a ticket with a Pennsylvania leader attached to it can chance that trajectory.
Shapiro’s name has rung out to replace Biden. The 51-year-old set a state record during the 2022 gubernatorial election with the most votes in his state’s history, according to ABC 27 News. Shapiro is also popular among young voters, aged 18-29, according to the Pennsylvania Capital Star. With young Americans playing a crucial role in his historic election, Harris could use this to her advantage if she becomes the presidential candidate.
Gov. Wes Moore
Gov. Wes Moore became Maryland’s first Black governor in 2023. With only two years into the job, Moore’s approval rating is relatively high, according to CBS.
Since his election, Democrats have been eyeing him as a potential candidate, including actor George Clooney who has been vocal about wanting Biden to step down. Although Moore’s support for Biden has not wavered, many are looking for new faces to lead the Democratic party and a Harris-Moore Administration could be the solution to this problem.
Jasmine Crockett
Texas’ feisty Rep. Jasmine Crockett is making waves even though she is just a freshman in congress. She’s had her fair share of viral moments, making her a popular option for young voters. Though Crockett gets a lot of heat for her liberal views and sometimes polarizing stances, Harris could be looking for a mentee to help connect to the youth while also shaping the Democratic party’s future.
Pete Buttigieg
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, ran against Biden and Harris during the 2020 presidential election. In the end, Buttigieg didn’t get far in the race, but the 42-year-old caught Americans’ attention and his momentum hasn’t stopped since then.
The former Indiana mayor was chosen to become part of Biden’s cabinet, some say Buttigieg could make a comeback as an alternative to the incumbent or even as Harris’ running mate. If chosen, Buttigieg would become America’s first openly queer vice presidential candidate.
Cory Booker
Like Buttigieg, Sen. Cory Booker ran for president in 2020. He made history as the first Black senator from New Jersey in 2013, and since then, Booker has been a vocal supporter of the Biden Administration and especially of Harris, according to the New York Times.
As Harris’ running mate, Booker could prove to be a strong front for the Democratic party. His well-documented history with completing bipartisan initiatives is important to show a more united front between parties.
Hillary Clinton
When Donald Trump won the 2016 election, many said Hillary Clinton was the true winner. Wouldn’t it be something if the former Secretary of State could hop back on the metaphoric Democratic donkey, but this time as Harris’ vice president?
Clinton has the White House experience and the respect from political leaders around the globe to serve her country again. Although Clinton has not confirmed any future plans to run for office, the 76-year-old still has supporters who want to see her return as the face of the Democratic party at least one more time.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist
Michigan’s Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist could represent a vital change of pace if chosen as vice president for a Harris-led ticket. Although he has an engineering background, Gilchrist says his experience allows him to use “thoughtful and fact-based practices to solve real problems” as his website states.
Gilchrist would obviously bring the support of Michigan to a Harris-Gilchrist ticket and be an important representation for politicians without a law or business background.
Elizabeth Warren
Since 2013, Elizabeth Warren has served as a senator for Massachusetts. Even though she ran for president in 2020 and lost, Warren continues to be a vital voice for the Democratic party.
According to WBUR, the senator has expressed her strong support for Biden and will probably not run for executive office again, but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be an interesting choice for vice president.
Bakari Sellers
Although he has seemingly put his political career on pause, the former South Carolina Senator is no stranger to making history. In 2006, the then 22-year-old became the youngest member of the state’s legislature and the youngest Black American elected to office in the nation, according to his blog.
Sellers is currently a political analysis for CNN, which could serve as a conflict if chosen to run with Harris. Still, he has the political background and the popularity to make him an interesting candidate for office.
Stephen K. Benjamin
Acting as the Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Public Engagement for the Biden Administration, Stephen K. Benjamin is another pick for Harris’ potential VP.
The New York City native works as the “the bridge between the people and the highest echelons of power,” according to the Washington Informer. His close relationship with both Biden and Harris can serve as an advantage to tackling White House issues if chosen by Harris.
