How Biden’s election race exit could affect the November election

DENVER ( KDVR ) — President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential election campaign is generating anticipation and concern about the outcome of the November election.

Political analysts told FOX31 that Biden has been trailing former President Donald Trump in several swing states and only 3-5% of voters remain undecided. Many others are voting for their party rather than just the name on the ballot.

“I really thought Biden was going to drop out after that first debate,” one voter told FOX31.

University of Denver political science professor and director of the Center On American Politics Seth Masket said early polling results indicate a change in the Democratic ticket would have little impact on voters, but that could change.

“There was a lot of concern about Biden just simply being too old for the campaigning job, him obviously under-performing at last month’s debate, and this maybe shakes things up a lot,” he said.

FOX31 talked to voters who said they are excited about Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris but worry about the timing of his exit so close to the November election.

“I think right now we’re really torn, and we just hope for the best,” one voter said.

Masket said that while others could enter the race, Harris is the only choice at this point.

“There’s nothing automatic that says the party has to nominate her but the fact (is) that he has endorsed her, and over the last several hours a lot of other Democrats have as well,” he said.

Masket said this election comes down to key issues where voters are strongly divided, like reproductive rights and abortion.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.