AP Photo/Evan Vucci
Vice President Kamala Harris formally declared her candidacy for president in a letter to the Federal Election Commission, a move that allows her to take over President Joe Biden’s $96 million campaign fund.
Biden announced on Sunday afternoon that he would be dropping out the November race against Donald Trump following mounting pressure from members of his own party. Democratic lawmakers and pundits had begun calling on Biden to step aside after a poor debate performance last month and falling poll numbers.
“This letter is to inform you that Vice President Harris is no longer a candidate in the 2024 election for Vice President,” reads a letter filed to the FEC with the “Harris for President” campaign.
“Vice President Harris is now a candidate for United States President in the 2024 election and will henceforth be conducting campaign activities only in pursuit of that office. This committee’s Statement of Organization and the Statement of Candidacy are being amended accordingly,” the letter adds.
Shortly after announcing his decision, Biden issued a statement
In the weeks leading up to Biden dropping out, high-level Democratic donors had cut off funds to the campaign until the president made a decision to leave the race. Multiple reports indicate that those donors are looking to return and support Harris.