Some Democratic hopefuls offer mixed backing of Harris as Biden replacement

Democrats widely praised President Biden for his decades-long career in public service, following news of his withdrawal from the race, but most up-and-coming Democratic stars stopped short of endorsing outright Vice President Harris as the next nominee.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), whose name has been in the mix as a possible running mate to Harris, called Biden “a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump” and touted the accomplishments of his administration and his storied political career.

Whitmer — who in the past has rejected suggestions about joining the party’s ticket, if Biden were to step aside — said she would do everything she can to elect Democrats and stop former President Trump but stopped short of backing Harris as Biden did.

“My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” Whitmer, a campaign surrogate, said.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), another popular governor frequently floated as a possibility for the ticket, responded by praising Biden’s accomplishments and calling for the country to come together.

“President Biden will be remembered as a consequential president. Along with Vice President Harris, he led us through the aftermath of the January 6th attack on our Capitol and steadily steered us out of a global pandemic,” Beshear wrote in a statement.

“While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party. I want to thank him for his leadership, kindness and for a successful presidency that got big, important things done,” he added. “Now it is time for our nation to come together. We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise. We have an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbor as yourself—and that we are all each other’s neighbor.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), whose leadership has come into focus in recent days, stopped short of endorsing any candidate and praised Biden as “a patriot who has served our country honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history.”

“President Biden has gotten an incredible amount done to move our country forward, defend our democracy, and protect real freedom,” Shapiro continued. “I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania — the Commonwealth that raised him.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) praised Biden’s decision, saying, “President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (D), who ran against Biden in the 2020 primary before becoming a Cabinet member, responded to the news Sunday, saying, “Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history. I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.”

Biden announced Sunday he would no longer run for president, ending his hard-fought campaign amid mounting pressure from within his own party. His announcement marked the end of his decades-long career in public service.

Biden’s former White House chief of staff and close confidant, Ron Klain, took a dig at donors and elected officials who sought to unseat Biden, before encouraging the party to rally around Harris’s bid.

“Now that the donors and electeds have pushed out the only candidate who has ever beaten Trump, it’s time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign — our outstanding @vp, @KamalaHarris!!  Let’s get real and win in November!” he wrote on the social platform X.