California Gov. Gavin Newsom officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency on Sunday evening. The endorsement came after hours of silence, leading to speculation about his stance. Newsom, a prominent Democrat who has shared a parallel political trajectory with Harris, emphasized her qualifications to challenge former President Donald Trump.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Newsom described Kamala Harris as “Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.” He stated, “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.” This endorsement followed an earlier post reacting to President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside, which notably did not mention Harris, prompting questions among political observers.
Shared Political Trajectories
Both Newsom and Harris began their political careers in San Francisco, with Harris serving as the city’s district attorney from 2004 to 2011 while Newsom was the mayor. Their careers have often intersected, and they share a network of supporters and wealthy donors within California. This shared background and their parallel rise in politics have positioned them as key figures in the Democratic Party.
Newsom’s eventual endorsement was not unexpected, despite the delay. In recent weeks, he had indicated that he would support Harris if Biden decided not to run for re-election. The alignment of their political careers and their common base of supporters made his endorsement a natural progression, reaffirming his commitment to the vice president’s campaign.
Political Implications of the Endorsement
Newsom’s endorsement of Harris is significant in the context of the upcoming presidential election. His support could help consolidate the Democratic base in California and beyond, given his influence and standing within the party. The timing of the endorsement, following Biden’s withdrawal, also underscores the urgency and high stakes of the 2024 election.
By backing Kamala, Newsom reinforces the message that the Democratic Party is united in its opposition to Trump. His statement highlights the importance of presenting a strong candidate capable of confronting Trump’s policies and rhetoric. As the campaign progresses, Newsom’s endorsement is likely to play a crucial role in rallying support for Harris, particularly among undecided voters and key demographics within the party.
Gov. Phil Murphy to Rally New Jersey Delegates for Kamala Harris
Tomorrow night, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy plans to lead a significant call to action for the state’s delegates at the Democratic National Convention. According to a source familiar with his plans, Murphy aims to unite the party and mobilize support for Vice President Kamala Harris. This initiative marks a crucial moment in the Democratic campaign, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective action within the party.
Murphy has officially endorsed Kamala as the Democratic nominee, reinforcing his commitment to her campaign. This endorsement comes at a pivotal time as the Democratic Party seeks to consolidate support and build momentum heading into the election season. Murphy’s leadership in rallying New Jersey’s delegates is expected to be a significant boost for Harris, underscoring the critical role of state leadership in national politics.
Record-Breaking Fundraising on ActBlue Following Biden’s Exit
In a remarkable display of Democratic enthusiasm, ActBlue fundraising surged past $55 million just after 10 p.m. Eastern, following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election. This figure marks the platform’s best day of the 2024 cycle, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency and commitment among Democratic donors. The substantial fundraising total is poised to rival some of ActBlue’s all-time best days, although it may fall short of the record $70.6 million raised following the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020.
The influx of donations not only supports Kamala Harris’ campaign but also benefits other Democratic candidates and groups, highlighting a unified front within the party. This financial boost signifies a renewed vigor among the Democratic base, which had been somewhat dormant earlier in the cycle. The surge in contributions underscores the critical role of grassroots funding in modern political campaigns and the power of collective action in driving political change.
Democratic Leaders and Endorsements Align Behind Harris
As Democratic leaders coalesce around Vice President Kamala Harris, notable figures are set to appear on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show tomorrow. Among them are North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), with Cooper and Beshear being considered potential running mates for Harris. This lineup of influential Democrats further signifies the party’s strategic alignment and the potential shaping of Harris’s ticket.
The Association of State Democratic Committees announced that the “overwhelming majority” of state Democratic Party chairs and leaders have endorsed Harris for the presidency as of Sunday night. This widespread support is mirrored by the recent vote of convention delegates in four states—New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—who have pledged their backing for Harris. South Carolina state Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain stated, “Vice President Harris has been fully vetted, and she has earned our unwavering support,” highlighting the collective confidence in Harris’s leadership.
Vice President Kamala will also be making her first public appearance since Biden’s endorsement at a White House event on the South Lawn at 11:30 a.m. Monday. This event, celebrating NCAA championship teams, will now take on historic national importance as it symbolizes the party’s unified stance and the beginning of a new chapter in the Democratic campaign.
