Washington: Kamala Harris received widespread endorsements from key Democratic Party figures on Sunday, after Joe Biden's surprising announcement that he would step down from the presidential race.

Party leaders, governors, and other officials who were seen as potential contenders are now supporting the current Vice President, enhancing her chances of becoming the Democratic nominee.

"A lot of big dominos have fallen, including almost all of the major, potential contenders who might have challenged her. Hard to see any other outcome here than her nomination," said Democratic former White House strategist David Axelrod on X . He described Harris' momentum as a "shock-and-awe campaign."

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro endorsed Harris on Sunday, stepping back from the race themselves.

"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," Newsom posted on X.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who also ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020, voiced their support as well. Other significant Democratic figures, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and many members of Congress like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, endorsed Harris. Former President Barack Obama and ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised Biden for his decision but have not yet endorsed Harris.

Democratic fundraising group ActBlue announced that small donors raised $46.7 million for Harris's campaign within hours of its launch, marking the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.

Biden endorsed Harris as his replacement, saying choosing her as his running mate in 2020 had "been the best decision I've made." The formal nomination process will take place at the party's summer convention in Chicago, starting August 19. Though Biden won the primary votes, many delegates are now pledging their support for Harris following his announcement. States like Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina have already pledged their delegates to Harris, with more states likely to follow.

"I hope that we don't see a situation where we're Democrats who are looking for an opportunity to make a name for themselves, try to grandstand and become candidates in this race," said Hendrell Remus, chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party. "I think now is the time for us to get behind Kamala Harris as a nominee."

AFP