Michigan Democrats start to coalesce around VP Harris — but no word from Gov. Whitmer yet

A slew of important Michigan Democrats immediately threw their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party's presidential pick, a move seemingly to coalesce support around the former California senator after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race Sunday.

The move came quickly after Biden put his own public support behind his vice president — who formally announced her presidential bid Sunday afternoon.

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election," Harris said in a statement.

"And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump. ..."

But a handful of equally powerful Democrats — including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — did not immediately endorse in the race, indicating the party may need more time before they formally choose the person to face former President Donald Trump in the fall.

U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters both endorsed Harris.

"She’s an exemplary leader, knows what it takes to deliver when it matters most, and has my full support," Peters said.

U.S. Reps. Dan Kildee, D-Flint; Debbie Dingell, D- Ann Arbor; Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids; Haley Stevens, D- Birmingham; and Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, all immediately announced their support for Harris.

"There's much at stake this election — let's unite as a country behind Vice President Kamala Harris and rise victorious over extremism this November," Scholten said in a statement.

As of 3:30 p.m. Sunday, the only members of Michigan's Democratic delegation in the U.S. House not to immediately endorse Harris were U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit.

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Slotkin, running to succeed U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, did issue a statement supporting and thanking Biden. But Tlaib, who has remained critical of Biden's approach to the war in Gaza, did not immediately release any comments.

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, also called for his party to choose Harris.

"It is now our responsibility as Democrats and Americans to unite behind Vice President Harris and carry our candidate through to victory in November. This decision by President Biden is an example to us all and we cannot squander his sacrifice on division and posturing," Tate said.

Harris has repeatedly made visits to Michigan, both as a candidate before the 2020 election and as vice president. Democrats and Republicans agree the road to the White House likely runs through Michigan.

Todd Spangler contributed to this report.

Contact Dave Boucher: dboucher@freepress.com and on Twitter, formerly called X, @Dave_Boucher1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Democrats start to coalesce around VP Harris — but no word from Gov. Whitmer yet