Harris Fundraising Surge as Democrats Back Biden Departure

Vice President Kamala Harris is actively fundraising despite some House Democrats suggesting it's an open primary, with speculation recently mounting for President Biden to drop out of the race.

Amid growing calls for President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris is actively fundraising and gaining endorsements from House Democrats.

Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., emphasized that anyone is welcome to enter the Democratic primary, but he believes Harris will likely secure the nomination in the first round. Ex-House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., echoed these sentiments, asserting that Harris was already on the ballot as Biden's running mate.

Harris Fundraising Surge as Democrats Back Biden Departure

Harris confirmed her candidacy on Sunday following Biden's announcement that he would not seek re-election. She has since received the endorsement of President Biden, former President Clinton, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others. As of Monday, over 150 House Democrats have publicly supported Harris.

Despite the surge of endorsements, Republicans have accused Democrats of orchestrating a coup to replace Biden, who was trailing former President Donald Trump in the polls. Several House Democrats, however, refuted these allegations, maintaining that any potential challenger is free to enter the race.

Harris Fundraising Surge as Democrats Back Biden Departure

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., stated that although the primary remains open, he has endorsed Harris because he believes she is the best candidate for the job. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., expressed similar sentiments, suggesting that Harris is likely to emerge as the nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Harris has garnered support from various factions within the House Democratic caucus, including the Congressional Black Caucus and the Progressive Caucus. However, some lawmakers who have been critical of the Biden administration, such as Reps. Jared Golden, D-Maine, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., have remained silent on the matter.

Harris Fundraising Surge as Democrats Back Biden Departure

Biden's decision to drop out of the race came amidst increasing pressure from fellow Democrats who expressed concerns about his mental and physical fitness to campaign again. They believed such debates would divert attention from the party's broader efforts to defeat Trump.

Despite the open primary, the overwhelming support for Harris suggests that she is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. The upcoming months will determine if any other candidates emerge to challenge her position.

Harris Fundraising Surge as Democrats Back Biden Departure