Democratic Speculation Intensifies: Potential Candidates Emerge as Biden’s Political Future Remains Uncertain

Speculation is rife about President Biden’s political future and potential Democratic candidates if he drops out of the race. Despite Biden’s insistence on continuing his campaign, concerns are mounting among Democrats that his candidacy might jeopardize their hold on the White House and House majority.

Biden’s performance at a highly anticipated press conference after the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., was considered better than in recent weeks, but he still made several significant gaffes. This has led to an increase in the number of lawmakers calling for his withdrawal and heightened scrutiny of potential replacements on the Democratic ticket.

Vice President Harris

Vice President Harris is seen as the natural successor if Biden steps down, given her position. Her candidacy would be historic as she would be the first Black woman or South Asian woman to be a major party’s presidential nominee. Harris brings several assets to her potential candidacy, including her current role as vice president and her experience handling key issues within the administration. She was tasked with addressing the U.S. southern border early on and has been a vocal advocate for abortion access. Her previous bid for the nomination in 2020 as a senator and her experience as California attorney general could help counter GOP attacks on crime. Additionally, she would have easier access to funds leftover from the Biden-Harris campaign, a significant advantage.

However, Harris’s association with the Biden administration could make her a target for Republican attacks on issues like inflation and the border. She has also faced high staff turnover rates, and polling has not shown her with a significant edge over former President Trump in a hypothetical matchup.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is widely speculated to have presidential aspirations for 2028, but her move could come sooner depending on Biden’s decision. Whitmer flipped Michigan’s governor’s mansion in 2018, and Democrats managed to flip both state legislative chambers in 2022, achieving their first trifecta in nearly four decades. Whitmer was chosen to give the Democratic response to Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address, a role typically assigned to rising party stars. A candidate from an important swing state, particularly in the Midwest, would be advantageous for Democrats at the presidential level.

Though Whitmer has downplayed the idea of replacing Biden, she has been on a high-profile tour promoting her book, “True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been seen as a presidential contender even before questions about Biden’s future emerged. Newsom engaged in public spats with former GOP presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, airing ads in Florida suggesting Floridians move to California. He also agreed to a televised debate against DeSantis hosted by Fox News’ Sean Hannity. Although Newsom has been a vocal supporter of Biden, acting as a surrogate in states like Michigan and New Hampshire, his actions have fueled speculation about his own presidential ambitions.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who flipped the governor’s mansion back to Democratic control in 2018, is another potential candidate. Pritzker, with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, could easily self-fund his campaign, making him appealing to Democrats. His leadership of a reliably blue state and his focus on liberal hot-button issues make him a loyal Biden surrogate. However, his Midwestern state, Illinois, is a blue stronghold compared to its neighboring states.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is noteworthy as a Democratic governor in a state that Trump won by 26 points in 2020. Beshear has been praised for his handling of natural disasters in Kentucky and effectively used the issue of abortion in his reelection campaign against Republican nominee Daniel Cameron. His gubernatorial campaigns could provide a roadmap for Democrats to attract moderate and disaffected Republicans, as well as independents, particularly from southern states.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been mentioned as a potential Biden replacement despite being only months into his first term. Moore, a 45-year-old Rhodes Scholar and Army veteran, is popular on television and was already considered a 2028 hopeful before Biden’s campaign faced difficulties. Having a younger, charismatic Black man on the ticket would appeal to the Democratic base. Moore, the first Black governor of Maryland, previously led a top anti-poverty nonprofit.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, though not as frequently mentioned as others, is another significant contender. Shapiro gained early prominence as Pennsylvania attorney general by challenging the Trump administration over contraceptive insurance coverage and leading a wide-reaching probe into sex abuse by the Catholic clergy. A candidate from a battleground state like Pennsylvania would be highly appealing to Democrats. If elected, Shapiro would be the first Jewish American president.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg impressed Democrats in 2020 with his competitive performance against established figures like Biden, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders. Buttigieg’s experience in Biden’s Cabinet and his popularity as a TV defender of the administration could make him an attractive alternative for the party. If nominated, he would be the first openly gay man to be the Democratic nominee.

The speculation surrounding President Biden’s potential withdrawal from the race has brought various Democratic contenders into the spotlight. Each potential candidate brings unique strengths and challenges, making the decision a critical one for the Democratic Party’s future.