California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly responded to President Joe Biden’s surprise announcement that he won’t seek reelection in 2024. After Biden endorsed Harris as his preferred successor, Newsom followed suit.
He took to social media to share his thoughts, focusing on praising Biden’s presidency and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. He wrote,
“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.”
The California governor also added that Biden “will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.” He went on to describe Harris as “Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.” In a strong statement of support on X, Newsom said,
“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.”
This endorsement is particularly viewed as significant because Gavin Newsom himself had been seen as a potential candidate if Biden dropped out. By backing Harris, he makes it clear he won’t challenge her for the nomination. He had also previously pledged to support Harris if she ran for president, saying earlier this month, “of course” he would back her.
Gavin Newsom had been a strong defender of Biden, even after the president’s recent debate performance raised concerns. After that debate, Newsom wrote in a fundraising email,
“We aren’t going to turn our backs because of one performance. What kind of party does that?”