California Governor Gavin Newsom threw his support behind fellow Democrat Kamala Harris, a fellow Californian, for president on Sunday, following President Joe Biden’s surprise withdrawal from the race earlier in the day. The two politicians, both protégés of influential Democratic leader Willie Brown, have long been considered potential rivals, but have traditionally avoided running against each other.
Newsom, who was once seen as a potential replacement for Biden, has now yielded to Harris. However, he is unlikely to be her running mate due to a rule that prohibits members of the Electoral College from voting for two candidates from the same state.
Harris has rapidly ascended the political ladder, beginning with her romantic relationship with Brown, who helped her secure state positions. She then won election as San Francisco district attorney, followed by a narrow victory as California Attorney General in 2010. Harris’s subsequent election to the U.S. Senate, where she served less than half a term, was a decisive win against a fellow Democrat. Her short-lived presidential campaign in 2019 further solidified her political credentials.
While Harris’s record of achievement is limited, she would make history as the first black, Asian, and female president if elected. Democrats hope that the opportunity to make history will inspire their voters and propel Harris to victory.
