In the wake of President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, speculation is intensifying that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer may soon be named Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate.
The development comes as the Democratic Party quickly rallies behind Harris as their presumptive nominee after Biden withdrew from the race over the weekend.
Whitmer wasted no time and joined a call with Harris’ presidential campaign on Sunday, endorsing the vice president to replace Biden on top of the 2024 Democratic Party ticket.
Michigan, a critical battleground state, is viewed as essential for Democratic victory in November, making Whitmer’s endorsement particularly significant. Whitmer, 52, has a track record of electoral success in Michigan.
The governor joined Harris just hours after Biden’s announcement that he was no longer running for reeelection — a coordinated effort within the Democratic establishment to quickly unify the party.
Political strategists have noted that a Harris-Whitmer ticket could bring a balance to the ticket.
But nothing is certain.
The Democratic National Convention, scheduled for next month in Chicago, will ultimately decide the party’s nominee. While Harris has received Biden’s endorsement and initial support from key Democratic establishment figures, the formal nomination process still lies ahead.
As of now, neither the Harris campaign nor Whitmer’s office has commented on the vice presidential speculation.
With the general election looming and the Republican National Convention completed, the chaotic Democratic Party faces immense pressure.
As the Democratic Party prepares to name — rather than vote — on it’s nominee, critics have blasted the process —
It also doesn't really matter if it's Kamala, Newsom, Whitmer etc. The point is the same. A small select group of people decided they get to handpick the Presidential candidate rather than have people vote for the candidate. It's insane and calculated. https://t.co/WTLmmmEodR
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) July 21, 2024