The Democratic National Convention is quickly approaching. Here’s what to expect now that President Joe Biden has dropped out of the race.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is set for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, will see around 4,700 delegates traveling from across the country to show support for the Democratic nominee for the presidential race. Previously, this would have been for the reelection of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, however, Biden officially announced his withdrawal from the race in a statement released on X on July 21.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” the statement reads. “And while it has been my intention to see reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
In his statement, Biden also officially endorsed Harris to be the new Democratic nominee, and several politicians — including Rep. Jim Clyburn, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — followed suit. The Biden for President campaign also filed with the Federal Election Commission on July 21 to change its name to Harris for President, making Harris’ bid for nomination official.
READ MORE: Biden’s exit sparks national and local reactions from political leaders
Despite several endorsements, Harris is not the only viable contender. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U. S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have also been named as potential replacements.
With only 29 days until the convention, the announcement of a new nominee could take place over the next several days.
Previously, the DNC planned to confirm their nominee before Aug. 7 to meet ballot deadlines in states such as Ohio. The Associated Press reported the DNC rules committee said they will not set a date for the new roll call before Aug. 1.
In a statement released on July 21, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said the American people will soon hear from the Democratic Party on “next steps and the path forward for the nomination process.”
“In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November,” Harrison said in the statement. “This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party.”
Election day is November 5, and early voting begins in September. For more information on where to vote in Indianapolis Marion County, visit vote.indy.gov/early-voting/.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
