DNC chair vows ‘transparent’ process for new nominee after Biden exits 2024 race
In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, leaving the Democratic Party to select a new nominee.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison has assured the public of a "transparent and orderly process" to choose Biden's successor.
DNC's response to Biden's decision
Following Biden's decision to abandon his reelection bid, Harrison emphasized the need for clarity and organization. "The work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear," Harrison stated.
What's the plan moving forward?
Harrison outlined the Democratic Party's plan to proceed in an organized manner. "In the coming days, the party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November," he said.
Harrison reassured party members and the public that the selection process would adhere to established rules and procedures. "This process will be governed by the party's established rules and procedures," he added. "Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people."
Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris does not seal in her nomination, and there have been suggestions that the party should hold a lightning-fast "mini primary" to consider other candidates before its convention in Chicago next month.
Biden endorses Kamala Harris
Biden's decision to withdraw comes after escalating pressure from Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former president’s many falsehoods.
Biden endorsed Harris to take on Trump, and encouraged his party to unite behind her.
President Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris after dropping out of 2024 presidential race
With President Joe Biden ending his reelection bid and endorsing Kamala Harris as the nominee, citing the best interests of the party and the country, Harris has become the likely candidate to replace him, while Biden will remain in office until January 20, 2025.
Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.
"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," Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. It was reported from Los Angeles.