(WASHINGTON) — President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday came after heavy pressure from congressional Democrats, including Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and more than 30 House lawmakers.
Biden, 81, had resisted calls to step aside that grew almost daily following his poor performance in his June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump and persistent questions about his age and mental fitness. His decision comes just a few months before the Nov. 5 election.
Biden backed his vice president, Kamala Harris for the top of the ticket — triggering many others in the party to issue statements backing Harris.
Here’s how the news is developing:
Harris campaign says it has raised $81M in 24 hours
The Harris campaign claims it has raised $81 million in the last 24 hours.
The haul includes donations raised across the campaign, Democratic National Committee and joint fundraising committees, it said.
“The historic outpouring of support for Vice President Harris represents exactly the kind of grassroots energy and enthusiasm that wins elections. Already, we are seeing a broad and diverse coalition come together to support our critical work of talking to the voters that will decide this election,” Harris for President spokesperson Kevin Munoz said in a statement to ABC News, in part.
ABC News is not able to independently verify this information until the numbers are reported to the FEC.
-ABC News’ Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow and Will McDuffie
Biden’s chief of staff holds call with White House staff, sources say
President Joe Biden’s Chief of Staff Jeff Zients held calls Monday with White House staff members and appointees across the Biden-Harris administration following his decision to end his bid for reelection Sunday, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.
Zients told team members to “have the president’s back,” keep their “heads down” and “get work done,” the sources said.
Biden has told Zients there’s more work to do, including “lowering costs for families — from health care to housing, implementing historic bipartisan legislation, protecting the freedoms of Americans and standing up for democracy,” the sources said.
The sources added that Zients also thanked the team and said: “Together as a team — and under the vice president’s leadership, we did everything from bringing the country back from a once-in-a-century pandemic to historic legislation to restoring America’s standing in the world.”
He closed the calls by telling staff to “run through the tape” and “finish the job,” according to the sources.
-ABC News’ Selina Wang
Jeffries stops short of endorsing Harris yet, says he’ll meet with her and Schumer
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stopped short of endorsing Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee yet, but said on Monday that he plans to meet with her and Senate Majority Leader Schumer “in short order.”
Jeffries praised Harris, saying: “I’m excited for that meeting. Let me say this — that Vice President Kamala Harris has excited the community. She has excited the House Democratic Caucus. She’s excited the country.”
It’s not clear when this meeting will occur. “We are waiting on Leader Schumer to get back to town, as well as to get exact confirmation from VP Harris,” Jeffries said.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to President Biden for his tremendous leadership, and I’m also thankful for the incredible partnership that he has had for the last three and a half years with Vice President Kamala Harris,” Jeffries said.
Jeffries would not say what he and Biden discussed when they recently met privately.
“President Joe Biden is a heroic, patriotic and transformational figure, and he will go down in history as one of the greatest public servants of all time. That much is clear,” he said.
-ABC News’ Jay O’Brien and Lauren Peller
Dem super PAC secures commitments of $150M in withheld donations from after Biden’s debate performance
In the last 24 hours Future Forward, the preferred super PAC that previously backed President Biden’s reelection bid and now Harris’ election bid, claims it has secured commitments of $150 million from donors who were threatening to withhold their donations after Biden’s debate performance, according to a senior aide at Future Forward.
The super PAC had already reserved $250 million in TV and digital advertising earlier this year.
“Future Forward will continue working to make sure Donald Trump is defeated in this election and those dangerous consequences are never felt by the American people,” the senior aide told ABC News.
-ABC News’ Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow and Will McDuffie
Biden to campaign ‘aggressively’ with Harris in battleground states as soon as doctor clears him: Source
President Biden plans to campaign in battleground states “very aggressively” with Vice President Harris as soon as the doctor gives him the COVID “all-clear,” according to a senior administration official.
Biden tested positive for COVID last week.
The president will first return to the White House, then will hit the trail in the coming weeks to campaign for and with Harris, the source added.
The president is still expected to deliver remarks later this week and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The timing of all of this, the source said, is dependent on Biden’s COVID recovery. But the source said they are “hopeful” it will be later this week.
The source added that they want to make sure Biden’s “voice” is ready to go and that he can clearly deliver his message.
The senior administration official emphasized that Biden is still “going to finish the job” and that his priorities will remain the same. Part of finishing that job, this person added, is making sure Harris gets elected.
Another official said the president is still “full steam ahead” on his legislative priorities.
-ABC News’ Selina Wang
Pelosi endorses Harris
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president on Monday.
“Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” she wrote in a statement.
Whitmer says ‘no’ to potential VP nod, says she’ll stay in Michigan
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, speaking to a local station’s reporter on Monday, said she would not take the vice presidency if offered and that she does not plan on leaving Michigan.
“No. I am not planning to go anywhere,” Whitmer said when asked if she is prepared to take the vice presidency if it were to be offered to her.
When asked to confirm that, if offered the position, she would not take it, Whitmer said, “I am not leaving Michigan. I am proud to be the governor of Michigan. I have been consistent. I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over again; I know you’re doing your job. I am not going anywhere.”
-ABC News’ Rick Klein
Michael Bloomberg urges Democratic Party not to rush ‘to determine who is best positioned to win in November’
Major Democratic donor, businessman and one-time presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is urging the Democratic Party to take a step back and “take the pulse of voters” before determining “who is best positioned to win in November,” saying “the decision is too important to rush.”
“Democrats now have a chance for a fresh new start, and while some elected leaders and party officials make their endorsements, there are still four weeks before the party’s more than 4,000 delegates convene in Chicago,” Bloomberg posted Monday on X.
“That is more than enough time for the party to take the pulse of voters, especially in battleground states, to determine who is best positioned to win in November and lead the country over the next four years,” Bloomberg continued. “We don’t need to get a resolution right away, but we do need to get it right. The decision is too important to rush, because the election is too important to lose.”
Bloomberg also praised President Joe Biden for stepping down, calling it “an act of selflessness that only a great patriot would do.”
-ABC News’ Peter Charalambous and Soorin Kim
Harris lauds Biden’s ‘unmatched’ legacy in 1st appearance since Biden’s announcement
Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday is making her first public appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed her.
Harris is giving remarks at an event celebrating the NCAA championship teams Monday morning on the South Lawn of the White House. She is filling in for Biden, who is recovering from COVID.
“I wanted to say a few words about our president. Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history,” Harris said at the top of her statement. “In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office.”
Harris didn’t specifically address her own candidacy, but said she was grateful for Biden’s service to the country.
“I am firsthand witness that every day our president, Joe Biden, fights for American people. And we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation,” she said.
-ABC News’ Sarah Beth Hensley
Former VP Mike Pence: ‘Biden made the right decision for our country’
Former Vice President Mike Pence’s commented on the end of Biden’s reelection bid on Monday morning, praising the president and pushing for national unity.
“President Joe Biden made the right decision for our country and I thank him for putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own,” Pence wrote in a statement on X.
“After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Biden’s decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to America’s friends and enemies alike that, whatever the state of our politics, the American people are strong and our American military stands ready to defend our freedom and our vital national interests anywhere in the world,” Pence said.
He made mo mention of Harris in the post.
-ABC News’ Brittany Shepherd
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorses Harris
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was the final holdout of potential Biden replacements to throw her support behind the vice president.
“Today I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for the President of the United States,” Whitmer posted to X on Monday.
-ABC News’ Isabella Murray
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker endorses Harris
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker backed Harris on Monday.
“I am proud to endorse Vice President @KamalaHarris for President of the United States,” he wrote in a post on X.
Pritzker is one of the final potential Biden replacements to throw is support behind the vice president.
-ABC News’ Isabella Murrary
Gov. Tim Walz endorses Harris
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is also the co-chair of the DNC’s rules committee and the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, voiced his support for Kamala Harris in an X post on Monday.
“Thanks for the call, @KamalaHarris. You have my full support,” Walz wrote. “Let’s go win this thing.”
Sen. Durbin endorses Harris
Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, publicly endorsed Harris Monday morning.
“I’m proud to endorse my former Senate colleague and good friend, Vice President Kamala Harris. Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity and not MAGA chaos,” Durbin wrote in a statement.
“Vice President Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years. Count me in with Kamala Harris for President,” Durbin added.
-ABC New’s Allison Pecorin
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore endorses Harris
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore endorsed Harris for the top of the Democratic ticket on Monday.
In a post on X, Moore said “Today, I am proud to voice my full support and offer my full endorsement to Vice President @KamalaHarris to be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States.”
The governor, a Democrat, issued a statement on Sunday praising Biden for his decades of service.
“President Biden has dedicated his life and career to serving the American people,” Moore wrote. “His legacy of hard work, dedication, optimism, and strength have shaped the trajectory of our nation — and made us better as a people and as a country.”
-Tommy Barone and Sarah Beth Hensley
Manchin says he will not be running for the Democratic nomination
Independent Sen. Joe Manchin, who sources had told ABC News was considering re-registering as a Democrat to run for the presidential nomination, said on Monday he is not going to be campaigning to be atop the ticket in November.
“Let me make it very clear to you, Tony: I am not going to be a candidate for president, I am a candidate for basically speaking for the middle of this country,” Manchin said on CBS This Morning.
“I am not running for office, I could not believe that there was not going to be a primary process or a mini process. I don’t need that as far as in my life, the attention that people think ‘oh, when you speak up you’re looking for attention.’ Why is everybody afraid to speak up?” Manchin said.
Instead, Manchin said he was advocating for a “process” for selecting a “new generation” of leadership.
“I think a lot of people would like to see a mini primary — that’s the process,” he said.
-ABC News’ Allison Pecorin
Harris could make 2024 ‘very close race,’ Christie says
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, has a good chance of making “this a very close race” against former President Donald Trump, former Gov. Chris Christie said Monday.
“Eight years ago, [Trump] ran against a woman for president. When he did, Hillary Clinton was a more known quantity and, quite frankly, was disliked by a lot of voters,” Christie said on ABC News’ Good Morning America on Monday. “Kamala Harris is not personally disliked.”
He added, “There’s a question of respect and whether they respect her or not. And that’s going to be in her control now. If she performs well she’ll make this a very close race.”
A decision about Harris’ vice presidential running mate will be closely watched, he said, adding that choosing Gov. Josh Shapiro could deliver his home state of Pennsylvania, which “allows them to play in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona.”
Christie, who faced Donald Trump as a presidential candidate in the 2016 race, has become an outspoken critic of the former president. He had previously said a second Trump term would amount to a “vendetta presidency.”
“And I think he will use the levers of government to punish the people who he believes have been disloyal to him or to his approach,” Christie told ABC News earlier this year.
Christie was joined Monday on GMA by Democratic strategist and former DNC Chair Donna Brazile, who vowed the convention would have a “transparent process.”
“We’re going to continue to get the endorsements and, hopefully, at some point today or tomorrow the vice president will have enough delegates to secure the nomination,” she said.
-ABC News’ Kevin Shalvey
1 hour and 37 minutes ago
Harris raises about $50 million after Biden endorsement, campaign says
In the hours since President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday afternoon, she has collected $49.6 million in grassroots donations, the campaign said.
-ABC News’ Rick Klein
3 hours and 30 minutes ago
Win With Black Women raises $1.5 million for Harris
More than 45,000 people gathered late Sunday on a Zoom call organized by Win With Black Women to support Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.
The group said it raised over $1,500,000 in about 100 minutes.
The call was led by the group’s founder, Jotaka Eaddy, and included lawyer Star Jones, Rep. Joyce Beatty and Shavon Arline-Bradley, the president and chief executive of National Council of Negro Women. Guests such as actor Jenifer Lewis and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority President Danette Anthony Reed chimed in with words of encouragement and wisdom.
Even after 1 a.m. on Monday, people continued trying to join the call, and donations kept pouring in. Zoom lifted the capacity limit to allow more people to join the call.
“Don’t you ever lose faith in Black women,” said Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, a former president of Spelman College.
-ABC News’ Katrina J. Davis
1:55 AM EDT
Harris called over 100 party leaders after endorsement
Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday morning had multiple phone conversations with President Joe Biden before he announced that he would not be seeking reelection and would instead endorse her, according to a source familiar with her schedule.
Surrounded by family and staff at the vice president’s residence, Harris spent more than 10 hours placing calls to over 100 party leaders, members of Congress, governors, labor leaders and leaders of advocacy and civil rights organizations. On each of those calls, Harris made clear that she was extremely grateful for the president’s endorsement but plans to work hard to earn the Democratic nomination in her own right, the source said.
One of the calls was to her pastor, Amos Brown III, who, along with his wife, prayed over her, according to the source.
The vice president wore a hooded Howard University sweatshirt, workout sweats and sneakers throughout the day. Amid the many calls, she took time to arrange both lunch and dinner for the assembled aides. The menu was salad and sandwiches for lunch and pizza and salad for dinner. Harris’ pizza came with anchovies, her go-to topping, the source said.
-ABC News’ Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow and Will McDuffie
12:32 AM EDT
DNC rules committee to meet Wednesday
The Democratic National Committee’s next rules committee meeting will be at 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 24, a source told ABC News. The meeting will be public and available on the DNC’s YouTube page.
The co-chairs announced Sunday that following the President’s decision, it is now the committee’s responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair and orderly.
The co-chairs announced that the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive and expeditious.
-ABC News’ Gabriella Abdul-Hakim
12:32 AM EDT
DNC rules committee to meet Wednesday
The Democratic National Committee’s next rules committee meeting will be at 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 24, a source told ABC News. The meeting will be public and available on the DNC’s YouTube page.
The co-chairs announced Sunday that following the President’s decision, it is now the committee’s responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair and orderly.
The co-chairs announced that the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive and expeditious.
-ABC News’ Gabriella Abdul-Hakim
11:31 PM EDT
DNC leaders tell members to expect ‘next steps’ regarding nomination in ‘coming days’
Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison and Minyon Moore, the DNC convention chair, just sent members a note, obtained by ABC News, saying guidance on the formal nomination process following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race will arrive “in the coming days.”
“While this situation is unprecedented, the DNC is ready to undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party and select a nominee,” they said in their message. “This process will be governed by rules and procedures of our Party, and we know that all of you are ready to take your responsibility seriously to swiftly nominate a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump in November. In the coming days, you will hear more from us on the next steps to formally select our nominee. As we move forward, our values as Democrats will remain the same – protecting our basic freedoms, fighting for working families, and saving our democracy from the threat of dictatorship.”
The pair said the DNC will “honor” Biden’s “legacy with a firm commitment to nominating and electing a Democratic president this November” who will continue the strides he has made as president.
As of Friday, Democrats planned to continue their virtual nomination process to ensure that Biden and Harris were on the ballot in all 50 states. That was, of course, before Biden made his announcement on Sunday afternoon.
-ABC News’ Brittany Shepherd
11:13 PM EDT
UAW calls Harris an ‘ally’; will decide ‘next steps’ in ‘coming days’
The United Auto Workers Union has reacted to the news that President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
While calling Harris an “ally,” the UAW spokesperson stopped short of offering an endorsement, noting its board will meet soon.
In a statement to ABC News, a UAW spokesperson said, “Our UAW International Executive Board, elected by the membership of the UAW, will meet in the coming days to decide our next steps. Vice President Harris has been an ally and a champion for the UAW and the whole working class, and we’re excited to defeat Donald Trump and the billionaire class at the ballot box this November.”
The UAW had endorsed Biden for president earlier this year.
-ABC News’ Briana K. Stewart
10:22 PM EDT
Democrats say they’ve raised $46.7M: ‘Biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle’
Barely two hours after announcing it had raised $27.5 million following President Joe Biden’s exit from the presidential race and endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, ActBlue says it has now processed $46.7 million in donations.
“UPDATE: As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign launch,” the small-dollar donor fundraising platform said in a statement. “This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.”
-ABC News’ Gabriella Abdul-Hakim
9:46 PM EDT
Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff praises Biden as a ‘true patriot’
Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, commented for the first time Sunday night since President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 race.
“President Biden is a true patriot who leads our nation with honesty, decency, and integrity,” Emhoff wrote in a post on X.
Praising Biden’s work with Harris, Emhoff said, “They have fought tirelessly for families and communities, delivering for Americans across our nation.”
“I am so proud of their accomplishments and thankful for their leadership,” he added.
9:06 PM EDT
Would Trump debate Kamala Harris? RNC chairperson weighs in
After President Joe Biden ended his bid for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris Sunday, many have begun to wonder how the remainder of the 2024 race will unfold — including the upcoming presidential debate in September, hosted by ABC News.
Michael Whatley, Republican National Committee chairperson, told ABC News’ David Muir that the former president has said “he would accept a debate anywhere, anytime, anyplace.”
Now that Biden is out of the race, Chairperson of the RNC Michael Whatley says they still welcome a second debate with “Kamala Harris or anybody else.”
Whatley said Trump would have to make the official confirmation of the debate, however, he said, “We’ve made it very clear that we welcome that debate.”
“We want to talk about the contrast between the Biden-Harris agenda and Donald Trump’s agenda where he is going to unite America and lead us into a bolder future,” Whatley said.
9:06 PM EDT
Former Gov. Chris Christie says Harris candidacy ‘absolutely changes the race’
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told ABC News’ David Muir Sunday night that Kamala Harris’ entry into the presidential race will have a big impact.
“Look, this absolutely changes the race, David. I think anybody who says this doesn’t change the race doesn’t understand politics,” Christie said. “But here’s the big question, ‘How does it change the race?’ And none of us know that [answer] yet. And the reason we don’t is because that’s going to depend almost exclusively on the performance of these two candidates now.”
Christie, who ran for the 2024 GOP nomination for president but dropped out during the primaries, said running for president is different than campaigning for vice president.
“[S]he’s going to be under a different level of scrutiny, a different level of pressure, and there’s a different expectation level for her than there has been before,” Christie said. “So how does she perform, and how does Donald Trump change his approach? He’s now not running against 81-year-old Joe Biden. He’s running against a much younger woman. And that’s going to change the dynamic, too.”
Christie said Trump will need to change his tone with Harris coming to the fore.
“Look, when I ran the first time for governor, David, I ran against an incumbent, democratic male. When I ran for reelection, I ran against a woman. And the pace of that race and the way you conduct yourself as a male candidate [against] the female candidate has to have a bit of a different tone to it,” Christie said. “The question for me is going to be, ‘Can Donald Trump adjust to that, and how will he react to this new dynamic? So, we’re to see some very interesting developments over the course of the next number of weeks.”
-ABC News’ Jolie Lash
8:42 PM EDT
Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorses Kamala Harris in 2024 presidential race
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., released a video testimonial on X Sunday explaining why she’s backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee.
“She is ready to step up, bring our party together, go toe to toe with Donald Trump and win in November,” Warren said in the video, in which she speaks directly to the camera.
“Kamala has been a ferocious warrior on the issue of abortion and under Kamala’s leadership we are going to get Roe V. Wade back into the law of the land,” Warren said.
“When you’re up against a convicted felon who better than a former prosecutor to take it straight to Donald Trump,” she continued. “I’m here for Kamala because Kamala has been here for the American people year after year after year.”
-ABC News’ Allison Pecorin
8:34 PM EDT
Major Biden donor says he won’t fundraise for Harris if she’s nominee
In an interview with ABC News on Sunday night, major Biden donor and supporter John Morgan said that if Vice President Kamala Harris is the nominee, he won’t fundraise for the Democratic ticket.
“It’s one thing to vote for somebody; it’s another thing to raise millions of dollars for somebody; you have to really be in,” Morgan, a high-profile Florida lawyer, told ABC News.
Morgan, who says he’s a “Biden/Manchin type Dem,” told ABC News he was all in on Biden but felt Harris would be too far left and lose in November.
“If Trump World could pick anybody to run against, I think they pick her,” he said.
Morgan told ABC News he had already informed the Biden National Finance Committee that he was resigning from his fundraising efforts after Biden endorsed Harris.
“If she’s a nominee, Mar a Lago has a real big party that night,” he added.
-ABC News’ Will Steakin
8:37 PM EDT
Pro-Trump super PAC spent $30 million on ads attacking Biden
Pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again spent $30 million on ads attacking President Joe Biden this election cycle, Federal Election Commission records show.
The super PAC has also spent $18 million supporting former President Donald Trump.
It’s unclear how much the Trump campaign, which is a separate entity from the super PAC, spent on ads specifically attacking Biden, as the campaign doesn’t disclose that information.
The Trump campaign has sparingly placed television ads since the primary season.
-ABC News’ Soo Rin Kim, Lalee Ibassa and Kelsey Walsh
8:27 PM EDT
Democratic strategist Brazile says Manchin reached out to ‘inquire’ after Biden dropped out of race
Former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile told ABC News’ David Muir on Sunday night that Joe Manchin, the independent senator from West Virginia, had reached out to “inquire about the news” of President Joe Biden’s exit from the presidential race.
Two sources told ABC News earlier Sunday that Manchin was considering reregistering as a Democrat to run against Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination.
In the interview, Brazile also said the DNC is committed to the virtual roll call that would wrap up by Aug. 7 — more than a week before the convention starts.
-ABC News’ Rick Klein
8:13 PM EDT
Biden, family feeling ‘sense of relief,’ source says
In conversations with people in and close to the Biden family on Sunday night, one word keeps reemerging: relief.
“For the people who love Joe, who are closest to Joe … there is a sense of relief,” a person close to the family told ABC News.
The news cycle of the past few weeks has clearly taken a toll on those in the president’s orbit. Watching allies turn on him and the news media scrutinize his every move has been a “painful” experience for Biden, sources said.
Before making his announcement on Sunday morning, the president told his brother, James Biden, and sister, Valerie Biden Owens, that he planned to step out of the race and endorse Kamala Harris, another source said.
Biden’s two siblings — who have been by his side since his first campaign more than 50 years ago — did not try to persuade him to stick it out, the source added.
-ABC News’ Lucien Bruggeman
10:18 PM EDT
Democrats raise $27.5 million following Biden exit, Harris endorsement
ActBlue, the small-dollar donor fundraising platform the Biden-Harris campaign uses, said it has raised more than $27.5 million in the first five hours since President Joe Biden dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
-ABC News’ Gabriella Abdul-Hakim
7:51 PM EDT
Harris already working the phones on presidential campaign: Source
Vice President Kamala Harris has already hit the ground running on her presidential campaign, working the phones to shore up support and fundraising off the announcement, a source told ABC News.
The source says there are currently no changes to her expected travel plans for the coming week, which were determined prior to President Joe Biden dropping out of the race.
She’s expected to travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 23, to deliver remarks at a political event.
On Wednesday, she’s expected to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to deliver remarks at the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s Grand Boulé.
-ABC News’ Selina Wang
7:45 PM EDT
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has thrown his support behind Harris
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for Democratic nominee for president.
“Tough. Fearless. Tenacious,” Newsom wrote in a post on X about the former California senator and attorney general.
“With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, @KamalaHarris,” he added.
-ABC News’ Fritz Farrow
7:39 PM EDT
Harris spoke with Gov. Shapiro, House Minority Leader Jeffries
Harris on Sunday spoke with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose name has come up as a possible vice-presidential pick, a person familiar with the conversation confirmed to ABC News.
The source noted that Harris also spoke with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Sunday.
-ABC News’ Fritz Farrow
7:29 PM EDT
Sen. Manchin considering reregistering as Democrat, running against Harris: Sources
Independent Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia is considering reregistering as a Democrat to run against Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination, two sources with knowledge of his decision told ABC News.
The development comes hours after Manchin said he would not run if Biden dropped out of the race.
“No, I want to support a new generation,” Manchin told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union” Sunday.
-ABC News’ Rachel Scott
7:19 PM EDT
Attorney General Garland, Sec. of State Blinken react to Biden’s announcement
Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed President Joe Biden’s decision not seek reelection, with both men sharing their respect for their commander in chief.
“From the beginning of his tenure, President Biden has made clear in both word and deed that he stands for the rule of law and for the Justice Department’s critical mission to protect the safety and the civil rights of everyone in our country,” Garland said in his statement. “I am grateful for his leadership and for the enormous respect he has shown for the 115,000 public servants of the Justice Department over the past three and a half years. As President Biden has noted, there is critical governing work to be done in the months ahead, and the Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights on behalf of the American people.”
Blinken called his time with Biden “the honor” of his life.
“It has been — and remains —the honor of my life to work for @POTUS for the past twenty-two years. He has restored U.S. leadership around the world and delivered historic accomplishments as President. I look forward to building on that record with him over the next six months,” Blinken said in a post on X.
7:19 PM EDT
DNC raising money off of Biden’s decision
In a message sent after President Joe Biden announced he would leave the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the DNC asked supporters for small-dollar donations.
“In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party to defeat Donald Trump in November,” they wrote.
6:54 PM EDT
First Lady Jill Biden supported Joe in ‘whichever road he chose’
As President Joe Biden made the decision to step aside from his bid for reelection, he had the support of his wife, Jill.
The first lady’s communications director, Elizabeth Alexander, said Jill was “supportive of whatever road he chose” in the 2024 election.
“Down to the last hours of the decision only he could make, she was supportive of whatever road he chose,” Alexander said of Jill.
“She’s his biggest believer, champion, and always on his side, in that trusted way only a spouse of almost 50 years can be,” Alexander said.
7:35 PM EDT
Major AAPI, Black, Latino political groups endorse Kamala Harris for president
Several major political action committees representing AAPI, Black and Latino voters have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
The AAPI Victory Fund, The Collective PAC and Latino Victory Fund all announced the endorsement on Sunday.
“We will fight with all of our might to make her the first South Asian and Black woman ever to serve as President of the United States,” spokespeople for the AAPI Victory Fund said in a statement.
6:28 PM EDT
RFK Jr. blasts Harris as a ‘war hawk’
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. blasted Harris in a press conference on Sunday, criticizing her on everything from foreign policy to civil rights and her work as district attorney in California.
“I think, you know, Kamala Harris is the party of war. She is a war hawk — you know, the Democratic Party was always the peace party. Kamala Harris is a war hawk on Ukraine. She’s a war hawk on China,” he said.
Kennedy also accused Harris of having “one of the worst civil rights record of any public official,” calling her complicit in the “school-to-prison pipeline.”
-ABC News’ Will McDuffie
6:02 PM EDT
What pushed Biden to drop out of 2024 race?
President Joe Biden had been facing growing pressure from his own party to step aside from the 2024 race, despite his repeated assurances that he plans to stay in the race.
Pressure had mounted after his disastrous June debate with former President Donald Trump which left many within the Democratic Party questioning if he could win his reelection campaign. Before he made his announcement, at least 40 congressional lawmakers had publicly called on Biden to step aside.
Biden’s decision Sunday — which came as he recovers from COVID-19 — took members of his staff by surprise, despite his repeated assurances doing little to decrease public pressure for him to step down.
5:59 PM EDT
Biden spoke with Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer: Sources
President Joe Biden had conversations with the two top congressional Democrats Sunday as he ended his 2024 presidential campaign, sources told ABC News.
Biden spoke with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, sources said.
5:56 PM EDT
‘It is an honor to serve under Biden,’ Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas says
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas weighed in on Biden’s decision to end his bid for reelection Sunday.
“Today and everyday, it is an honor to serve under POTUS Biden’s leadership,” Mayorkas said in a statement on X.
Mayorkas said he’s “extraordinarily proud” of the work the Department of Homeland Security has done to “secure our shores, skies, borders, and cyberspace; safeguard the American people from threats old and new; and advance our vital homeland security mission under the President’s leadership.”
Looking to the future of Biden’s tenure as president, Mayorkas said, “We will continue to use every minute of this administration to deliver for the American people.”
5:52 PM EDT
Anti-abortion rights groups bash Harris calling her ‘radically pro-abortion’
After Harris announced her intention to join the 2024 race for president, anti-abortion rights groups released a statement criticizing Harris’ support of abortion rights. National Right to Life, a major anti-abortion group, released a statement criticizing Harris, calling her “radically pro-abortion” after Harris announced she will be running for president.
“Kamala Harris is radically pro-abortion and sees the lives of precious unborn babies as expendable … She has toured the country pushing unlimited abortion and criticizing protective state laws that support women and their preborn children,” National Right to Life President Carol Tobias said in a statement.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which opposes access to abortion care, also accused her of refusing to support limits on access to abortion care.
“While Joe Biden has trouble saying the word abortion, Kamala Harris shouts it. In contrast, President Trump, JD Vance, and the GOP reject the Democrat attempt to impose abortion on-demand across all 50 states and support the right of states to place limits on abortion,” Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser wrote in a statement.
5:49 PM EDT
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore thanks Biden for being ‘an exemplar of true leadership’
In a statement Sunday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore praised Biden and thanked him for his decades of service.
“President Biden has dedicated his life and career to serving the American people,” Moore wrote. “His legacy of hard work, dedication, optimism, and strength have shaped the trajectory of our nation — and made us better as a people and as a country.”
“This is a man deeply in love with his family, his country, and the promise of America,” he wrote. “As a governor, I look to him as an exemplar of true leadership. As an American, I look to him as an embodiment of our shared values of freedom, decency, and patriotism.”
5:30 PM EDT
DNC changes its joint fundraising committees to Harris
The Democratic National Committee has filed an amendment to revise its joint fundraising committees, now named Harris Victory Fund and Harris Action Fund.
These committees, previously named Biden Victory Fund and Biden Action Fund, simply went through name changes and inherited the previous Biden-DNC joint fundraising committees’ cash on hand.
Harris Victory Fund had $40 million in cash on hand entering July and Harris Action Fund had $23 million in cash on hand.
-ABC News’ Soorin Kim
5:27 PM EDT
Harris makes calls after announcing she will seek the nomination
Over the last few hours since announcing she would seek the nomination for president, Vice President Kamala Harris has been making calls, a source told ABC News.
Harris has spoken with a range of Democratic officials, including congressional Democrats, governors, party officials and civil rights leaders, the source said.
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
5:11 PM EDT
Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell says it’s a ‘sad day’ after Biden’s exit
One of President Biden’s closest allies, Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell, mourned the end of Biden’s presidential campaign while endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday.
“I did endorse Kamala this afternoon because I believe Joe Biden has been a great President,” Dingell said during an interview on MSNBC.
“I think it is a sad day and the way much of this has played out with the knives that have been put in his back,” she said of Biden.
“If he is supporting Kamala Harris, that means that he thinks that she can do a good job and that is who I am supporting,” Dingell continued, adding, “This party needs to unify.”
5:07 PM EDT
Shock, heartbreak and relief among White House staffers
Upon learning President Joe Biden would end his race for a second term, White House staff members told ABC News how they’re feeling about the historic decision.
Staffers said emotions have been running high, and that — blindsided by the announcement — some had cried. One said he had been on his bike and nearly fell off when he heard the news.
Some said they felt shocked or heartbroken, but many expressed their relief.
“He made the right choice; acted in the best interest of the country,” one White House staff member said.
Others said they felt immense pride. “I will always be proud that I worked for him, and I think history will show him to be one of the greats,” one staffer said.
“Any Democratic president in the past 50-70 years would kill for some of the big wins Joe Biden has [gotten] across the finish line,” another said. “He is a good man and fierce defender of democracy.”
-ABC News’ MaryAlice Parks
4:59 PM EDT
Biden for President campaign files to change to Harris for President
The Biden for President campaign committee has just been changed to the Harris for President campaign committee, according to a new FEC filing.
Now Kamala Harris’ principal campaign committee, this campaign committee had nearly $96 million in cash on hand — and likely more scheduled to be transferred from its joint fundraising committees with the DNC.
-ABC News’ Soorin Kim
4:56 PM EDT
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says Biden should be ‘commended’ for exit from race
Larry Hogan, the former Maryland governor who is running for U.S. Senate, released a statement on X Sunday after President Biden ended his bid for reelection.
“I believe he made the right decision for his family and the country,” Hogan, a Republican, said of Biden, adding, “These are dangerous and unprecedented times. He should be commended for putting the country ahead of personal ambition.”
“The only way out of this cycle of chaos, divisiveness and dysfunction is to elect principled, common sense and experienced leaders who will focus on the day-to-day challenges facing Americans,” Hogan continued.
“We need less palace intrigue, less partisan nonsense, and more decisive action to solve the serious problems facing our nation,” Hogan said.
4:52 PM EDT
Trump donated $6,000 to Kamala Harris’s 2014 AG campaign
Then-businessman Donald Trump donated $6,000 to Kamala Harris’ 2014 California Attorney General reelection campaign, state campaign finance records show.
Trump initially donated $5,000 to Harris’s campaign in 2011, and donated another $1,000 to her campaign in 2013.
Ivanka Trump also donated $2,000 to Harris’s campaign in 2013.
-ABC News’ Soorin Kim, Lalee Ibssa and Kelsey Walsh
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says Biden should be ‘commended’ for exit from race
Larry Hogan, the former Maryland governor who is running for U.S. Senate, released a statement on X Sunday after President Biden ended his bid for reelection.
“I believe he made the right decision for his family and the country,” Hogan, a Republican, said of Biden, adding, “These are dangerous and unprecedented times. He should be commended for putting the country ahead of personal ambition.”
“The only way out of this cycle of chaos, divisiveness and dysfunction is to elect principled, common sense and experienced leaders who will focus on the day-to-day challenges facing Americans,” Hogan continued.
“We need less palace intrigue, less partisan nonsense, and more decisive action to solve the serious problems facing our nation,” Hogan said.
Trump donated $6,000 to Kamala Harris’s 2014 AG campaign
Then-businessman Donald Trump donated $6,000 to Kamala Harris’ 2014 California Attorney General reelection campaign, state campaign finance records show.
Trump initially donated $5,000 to Harris’s campaign in 2011, and donated another $1,000 to her campaign in 2013.
Ivanka Trump also donated $2,000 to Harris’s campaign in 2013.
Ad by pro-Trump PAC attacking Harris made days before Biden announcement
The attack ad put out on Sunday by a pro-Donald Trump PAC attacking Vice President Kamala Harris was made “days” before President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race, two sources familiar told ABC News.
One source describing the move as “just in case,” emphasizing how they had been preparing for this.
One source with the PAC told ABC News that they are viewing the switch from Biden to Harris as a “simple pivot” because Harris “owns all of Joe Biden’s failures.”
The plan is to frame Harris as a “co-conspirator” in Biden’s agenda — specifically on immigration, as the team has been reporting, the source said.
Vance says he and Trump ‘are ready to save America,’ tells Dems to ‘bring it on’
Former President Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance reacted to President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race, calling him “the worst president in my lifetime” and saying they are ready to take on Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way. Over the last four years she co-signed Biden’s open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries. She owns all of these failures, and she lied for nearly four years about Biden’s mental capacity–saddling the nation with a president who can’t do the job,” Vance said in a statement on X.
“President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever’s at the top of the Democrat ticket. Bring it on,” Vance said.
Kamala Harris begins fundraising for 2024 presidential campaign
After announcing her 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris has put out a public call for fundraising.
“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. If you’re with me, add a donation right now,” Harris wrote on X Sunday.
The statement includes a photo with President Joe Biden, who endorsed Harris immediately following his exit from the race.
Christie says it is unlikely Democrats would challenge Harris
There are practical concerns that could dissuade other Democrats from challenging Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for president, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, an ABC News contributor, told ABC News Live on Sunday.
“There are such practical concerns for the people who might be thinking about challenging the vice president. None of them have national campaigns organized, none of them have one state director in any one of the 50 states, none of them have a national fundraising operation,” Christie said.
“I think she’ll be able to inherit the money that is in the Biden-Harris campaign right now,” Christie said.
Christie added that anyone considering running will wonder if they will be able to beat a candidate who is a sitting vice president who has been endorsed by the sitting president.
“Most of the people who would be serious candidates, I think, quite frankly, they are going to look at this and say ‘I hope she picks me for No. 2’ and move on from there,” Christie said.
“I don’t think there is going to be any challenge to Kamala Harris,” Christie said.
Major Democratic donors endorse Vice President Kamala Harris
On the heels of President Biden’s departure from the 2024 presidential race Sunday, two major Democratic donors — Reid Hoffman and Alexander Soros — publicly endorsed Kamala Harris as the next candidate.
“The Democrats are the party of policy, progress, and action. When presented with the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, I believe in the American people to make the right decision for our country,” Hoffman wrote in a statement on X.
Hoffman cofounded professional networking site LinkedIn in 2003 and is a partner at venture capital firm Greylock Partners.
“The Biden-Harris administration has put this country on the right track. It’s time for us to unite. I wholeheartedly support Kamala Harris and her candidacy for President of the United States in our fight for democracy in November,” he continued.
Soros, one of five sons of billionaire George Soros, took to X to share a photo of himself with Harris, writing: “It’s time for us all to unite around Kamala Harris and beat Donald Trump. She is the best and most qualified candidate we have. Long live the American Dream! #Harris2024.”
DNC members circulate letter endorsing Harris
Sixty-three signatories had joined onto the letter, which was obtained by ABC News, as of early Sunday evening, but more signatures could be added.
“We are deeply grateful to President Biden and his family for their decades of service to our nation, including the decision he made today to pass the torch of the Democratic nomination and American democracy itself to a new generation of public servants. We strongly and enthusiastically endorse Vice President Kamala Harris — the candidate with the best experience and capacity to unite our Party and the United States — for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. We ask that you join us,” they wrote.
Firefighters union on Biden’s exit: ‘Will forever be in his debt’
The International Association of Fire Fighters, which was the first union to back Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, released a statement on his decision to exit the 2024 race.
“Past, present, and future fire fighters are better off because of Joe Biden,” IAFF general president Edward A. Kelly said Sunday.
“For nearly 50 years, he has been a champion of the IAFF. His work has directly led to the hiring of tens of thousands of fire fighters, safety improvements in this most dangerous of jobs, and a nation that is now aware of the toxic threats we face every time we put on our gear,” Kelly said.
“And, when a fire fighter makes the ultimate sacrifice, President Biden’s work has ensured their families receive the benefits they deserve,” Kelly continued.
Kelly called Biden the “greatest President fire fighters and emergency medical workers have ever had.”
“Our membership – and the communities we serve – will forever be in his debt,” Kelly said.
Al Gore calls Biden an ‘exceptional leader,’ praises climate change action
Former Vice President Al Gore joined the chorus of Democratic leaders weighing in on President Biden’s decision to leave the 2024 presidential race on Sunday.
Praising Biden’s significant action toward climate change solutions, Gore said in a statement on X, “As President, Joe Biden has been — and is — an exceptional leader. He is responsible for developing and signing the most significant investment in climate solutions into law.”
“I know that he is not done delivering for the American people and will continue to serve this nation with wisdom and dignity in the coming months,” Gore continued, adding, “In paving the way for a new generation of leadership, President Biden’s decision is a fitting testament to his profoundly consequential career.”
“I applaud his selfless decision,” Gore wrote.
Harris thanks Biden for leadership, putting country first
In a statement announcing her candidacy for president, Vice President Kamala Harris thanked President Joe Biden for his “extraordinary leadership.”
“I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office,” Harris said.
“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” Harris said.
Biden endorsed Harris after announcing his exit on Sunday, saying choosing her as his running mate in 2020 was the “best decision I’ve ever made.”
“Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” Harris said.
Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney calls Biden’s decision ‘courageous’
In a post on X, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney — a Republican and frequent critic of former President Donald Trump — praised Biden’s decision to leave the race as “courageous.”
“The framers of our Constitution knew that our republic would endure only if our presidents have the character and honor to put duty ahead of self interest,” Cheney wrote. “President Biden deserves our gratitude for his decades of service to our nation and for his courageous decision today.”
Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen weighs in on Biden’s exit from 2024 race
Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, from the key battleground state of Nevada, shared a statement on President Biden departing from the 2024 election on Sunday.
“President Biden has served our country in public office with dignity and integrity for decades,” Rosen said, adding, “I thank President Biden for his leadership and respect his decision not to seek reelection.”
“There is still a lot more work to do on behalf of Nevadans to lower costs, create more opportunity, and defend our fundamental freedoms,” Rosen said.
Rosen noticeably did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her statement Sunday.
Vice President Kamala Harris says she intends to seek nomination for president
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced she intends to run for president in 2024, hours after President Joe Biden said he will be dropping out of the race.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement Sunday.
“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win,” Harris said.
Planned Parenthood, pro-abortion rights groups cheer on Harris
Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion rights groups are cheering on Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she will “fight like hell” for abortion rights. Harris has led the charge under Biden’s presidency with abortion rights, a major issue in the 2024 election.
“As we have navigated this public health crisis, Vice President Harris has kept the needs and experiences of patients and providers front and center. She’s the first Vice President to visit a Planned Parenthood health center — and we know that she will continue to fight like hell to rebuild a fundamental right that was stripped away,” Planned Parenthood said in a statement Sunday.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris’ record when it comes to protecting our reproductive freedoms and abortion access is unquestionable — these last two years, they have been the strongest, steadiest voice in the post-Dobbs storm,” Planned Parenthood said.
Biden told senior team one minute before announcement
President Joe Biden told his senior team that he had changed his mind about staying in the race one minute before going public, a source told ABC News.
Biden told his team at 1:45 pm on Sunday, and posted his announcement to the public at 1:46 pm, the source said.
As recently as Saturday night, according to the source, Biden’s message had still been “full speed ahead.”
Amy Klobuchar backs Kamala Harris
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., told ABC News she is backing Vice President Kamala Harris for president in the 2024 election.
“I worked with her in the Senate for years and we became closer friends even when we ran against each other,” Klobuchar said.
Klobuchar said President Joe Biden chose “the honorable path” by dropping out.
“President Biden has served with integrity and delivered results that will strengthen our country for generations to come. He passed historic legislation investing in our infrastructure, manufacturing and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. I am deeply grateful for his service, dedication, and commitment to our country and our democracy,” Klobuchar said.
Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson calls for open convention
Marianne Williamson is throwing her hat back in the 2024 presidential election ring after President Joe Biden exited the race Sunday.
“The nomination of a new Democratic candidate must be opened to a genuinely democratic process at an open convention,” Williamson told ABC News in a statement.
“No one should simply be anointed to the position of nominee; all candidates must be heard and their agendas explored,” Williamson said, seemingly referencing Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Our party’s basic first principle is democracy,” Williamson continued, adding, “We cannot save our democracy without practicing it ourselves.”
“I look forward to taking my message to the American people, and convincing Democratic delegates, that I am the best candidate to take us to victory in November,” Williamson said.
Obama lauds Biden as ‘a patriot of the highest order,’ no mention of Harris
In a statement, former President Barack Obama lauded President Joe Biden for his decades of service and decision to leave the race. He did not mention Vice President Kamala Harris in the statement.
“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” Obama wrote. “Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.”
Obama praised Biden’s “outstanding track record” in office and how he “has never backed down from a fight.”
“For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America,” he wrote. “It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.”
Obama said he has “extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on,” he wrote.
Elizabeth Warren says Kamala Harris is ready take on Trump
Ahead of President Joe Biden’s announcement that he dropped out of the 2024 presidential election, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., had voiced her support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“If President Biden decides to step back, we have Vice President Kamala Harris, who is ready to step up, to unite the party, to take on Donald Trump, and to win in November,” Warren said.
Trump says next Democratic candidate will be ‘more of the same’
Former President Donald Trump is rallying against the Democratic Party Sunday, following the announcement President Joe Biden is leaving the 2024 race.
“Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country,” Trump said in a statement on TruthSocial.
“Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same,” Trump continued.
Trump’s campaign also released a statement Sunday, calling out Vice President Kamala Harris by name, after Biden endorsed her as the next Democratic pick.
“Kamala Harris is just as much of joke as Biden is,” the campaign said, adding, “Harris will be even WORSE for the people of our Nation than Joe Biden. Harris has been the Enabler in Chief for Crooked Joe this entire time. They own each other’s records, and there is no distance between the two.”
Donors, delegates relieved Biden dropped out, but split on Harris
Democratic delegates and donors are say they are “relieved” and “thrilled” that President Biden has made the decision to step down, but they are divided on the best path forward.
“No one I know wants a coronation. In fact, Kamala will be stronger to go through a mini primary and we need to have an alternative or two,” one key donor told ABC News.
“We need to put best ticket together and let delegates vote,” the donor added. “Not sure it’ll happen but we are trying.”
Another delegate and donor told ABC News they are fully behind Harris.
“Now big donor money will start flowing again. His selfless act will save our republic,” a second donor said.
Biden and Harris spoke ahead of the president’s decision to leave 2024 race
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke on Sunday, ahead of Biden’s decision to end his bid for reelection and endorse Harris to be the next Democratic pick.
“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” Biden wrote in a statement on X.
Sen. Cory Booker expresses ‘profound gratitude’ to Biden
In a statement on X, Sen. Cory Booker expressed his “profound gratitude” to Biden following news that he would end his reelection campaign.
“I cannot overstate the gravity of the noble and history-making decision that President Biden just made. The feeling that I have right now is one of profound gratitude,” Booker wrote. “I am grateful that Joe Biden has been a friend, the most dedicated of public servants, and an extraordinary president.”
“I am grateful that we have a president whose patriotism and love of country drove him to run and win against demagoguery in 2020, and who now, because of that same fierce love and devotion to his fellow Americans, has decided to be the bridge to a new generation of leaders,” he wrote.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer weighs in on Biden’s decision
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised President Biden’s legacy and said he “put the country, his party, and our future first” with his decision Sunday.
“Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American,” he said.
Schumer’s statement comes days after sources told ABC News that Schumer privately urged Biden to drop out of the race.
Schumer had a blunt conversation with Biden, sources said, making the case it would be best if Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.
Sen. Bernie Sanders says Biden has served with ‘honor and dignity’
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders reacted to Biden’s decision to end his bid for reelection on Sunday.
“Joe Biden has served our country with honor and dignity,” Sanders wrote in a statement on X.
“As the first president to ever walk on a picket line with striking workers, he has been the most pro-working class president in modern American history,” Sanders continued.
Sanders ran against Biden for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential race.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for all you’ve done,” Sanders wrote.
Biden ‘patriotic American who has always put our country first’: Pelosi
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called President Joe Biden “a patriotic American who has always put our country first.”
“His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history. With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment,” Pelosi said in a statement Sunday.
“God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness,” Pelosi said.
Bill and Hillary Clinton endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president
Bill and Hillary Clinton endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, saying in a statement that they would “fight with everything we’ve got” to elect her.
“We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her,” they wrote.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison says party will announce next steps in nomination
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said the Democratic Party will be soon announcing next steps and the path forward for the nomination process for the 2024 presidential candidate.
“As we move forward to formally select our Party’s nominee, our values as Democrats remain the same — lowering costs, restoring freedom, protecting the rights of all people, and saving our democracy from the threat of dictatorship. We have and will continue to make this case to the American people,” Harrison said in a statement Sunday.
Harrison also thanked Biden for “the unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years.”
“We will honor that legacy, and the decision that he has made today, through a firm commitment to nominating and electing a Democratic president this November who will carry that torch into the next four years,” Harrison said.
Biden-Harris staff was caught off guard by decision to step down: Sources
Staff members who work for both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had no indication Biden had made his decision to step down from the 2024 race, sources told ABC News.
The administration’s staff was not aware, even as his letter was being distributed, sources said.
Pete Buttigieg commends Biden for prioritizing ‘what is best for our country’
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran against Biden in 2020, commended President Biden’s decision to leave the race in a post on X.
“Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history,” he wrote. “I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.”
Former DNC Chair Donna Brazile backs Harris, predicts she will be nominee
Former DNC Chair Donna Brazile is backing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and predicted she would be the nominee, but left open the possibility of an open convention that would land her the nomination.
“Part A was Biden-Harris. Part B was Harris and her running mate. Part C would likely be an open convention” where Harris would likely prevail, Brazile, an ABC News contributor, told ABC News Live.
Harris has not yet said whether she will be running for president.
“She would be and is the strongest candidate,” Brazile said.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praises Biden as a ‘great public servant’
After Biden’s announcement that he would end his reelection campaign, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praised him in a post on X.
“President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” she wrote. “His remarkable work to lower prescription drug costs, fix the damn roads, bring supply chains home, address climate change, and ensure America’s global leadership over decades will go down in history.”
“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,” she wrote.
‘A good day for the Democratic Party,’ Sen. Heitkamp says
Minutes after President Joe Biden announced he was stepping down from the 2024 presidential race, former North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp said that while she considers Biden an ally and a friend, Sunday is “a good day for the Democratic Party.”
Heitkamp called his decision “a sacrifice he is making for the country.”
“He has served this country so ably, it can’t have been easy,” Heitkamp said, in an interview on ABC News Live.
Biden endorses Vice President Kamala Harris
After announcing he would exit the 2024 race, President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
In a message on X, Biden called picking Harris as his running mate in 2020 the “best decision” he has made.
“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” he wrote. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made.”
“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” he wrote. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Biden says he’ll ‘stand down’ from 2024 election
President Joe Biden has announced he is stepping down from the 2024 presidential race.
Biden made the announcement on Sunday, saying in a statement, “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.”
The president said he will address the nation later this week with more details about his decision.
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