Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping into the most scrutinized spotlight of her political career, emerging as the leading candidate to succeed President Joe Biden after his unexpected decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Harris, who has served as Biden’s vice president since 2021, is now the Democratic Party’s top hope to defeat Republican front-runner Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

Following Biden’s announcement, Harris released a statement announcing her intention to earn and win the Democratic nomination. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said. “Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, speaking to Americans about the clear choice in this important election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.”

Harris wasted no time in mobilizing support, spending much of Sunday afternoon calling Democratic elected officials and congressmen to shore up her position. One of her calls was to Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Nanette Barragán, who threw her full support behind Harris and encouraged donations on her behalf. “We’re in this to win,” Harris told Barragán.

Other influential Democrats quickly rallied behind Harris. Rep. Annie Kuster, leader of the New Democrat Coalition, endorsed Harris on Sunday afternoon. In addition, potential running mates such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly issued statements supporting her candidacy. Harris spoke directly with Shapiro and Cooper to secure their support.

Several influential political organizations, including the AAPI Victory Fund, The Collective PAC and the Latino Victory Fund, also endorsed Harris. While some Democrats have remained silent, many others have called for immediate unity behind Harris to put the turbulent period following Biden’s withdrawal behind him.

“Joe Biden is a great American, and we all owe him our immense gratitude for his service to our country as president, vice president and senator,” said Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y. “There is no better person to pass the baton to than Vice President Harris.”

Harris, however, may not be the only contender for the Democratic nomination. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, who recently switched from the Democratic Party to become an independent, is reportedly considering re-registering as a Democrat to challenge Harris, according to Jonathan Kott, an adviser to Manchin.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris before she commented on Biden’s decision. “We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and time again,” the Clintons said in a joint statement. “We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do everything we can to support her.”

Former President Barack Obama, however, has not yet endorsed Harris, stating only that he supports the party’s eventual nominee. Senior Democratic figures, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also refrained from making direct statements of support.

Harris kicked off her fundraising campaign with a powerful email declaring, “I am running for President of the United States.” ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, reported that small donors had raised more than $27.5 million in the first five hours of Harris’ candidacy.

Amid her campaign efforts, Harris is continuing her duties as vice president. She is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington later this week and has a campaign event in Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Prominent Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have voiced their support for Harris. Warren praised Harris as a “proven fighter” and Buttigieg pledged to help elect her as the next president.

The Congressional Black Caucus PAC and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus also endorsed Harris, highlighting her leadership and accomplishments over the past three and a half years.

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