Alabama Democrats weigh in on possible nominee replacements after Pres. Biden dropped from race

ALABAMA (WHNT) — President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will withdraw from the 2024 election sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party. The focus now shifts to who will be his replacement, something Alabama Democrats say will be a wait-and-see sort of deal.

President Biden announced the discontinuation of his reelection bid days after mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to reconsider his decision to remain in the race.

Several Democrats praised the president for his years of service to the American people while weighing in on the future of their party and who could be his replacement.

Some Alabama Democratic figures also praised Vice President Kamala Harris’s work but would not commit to an endorsement.

The Alabama Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, Benard Simelton, says he’s waiting to see who else will be in the running for the nomination. Simelton will cast a vote for his nominee of choice.

“The only candidate that has announced and has been cleared in terms of filing with the FEC is Kamala Harris, it would be very presumptuous of me to say well yes i endorse her and don’t know who all the candidates are in the field,” Simelton said.

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels says he’s willing to back whoever the nominee is, but he says the main focus for Democrats is to once again win the White house.

“If Vice President Harris is the nominee, I’m all in but the delegates are the ones that’s going have the last say into who becomes the nominee,” Daniels said. “We have to position ourself the best possible way to win the presidency in November.”

As of Sunday, reports indicate Vice President Kamala Harris is the front-runner to be the next Democratic nominee.

California Governor Gavin Newsome and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are possible running mate picks. If Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is chosen, it would be the first all-female presidential ticket in history.

Democrats will have to move quickly, as the news of President Biden’s departure from the race comes just weeks ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which begins on August 19.

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