US Presidential Election: 9 alternative candidates for Democrats, should they not choose Kamala Harris as nominee

President Joe Biden has brought a major change to the incoming US Presidential Election in November as he announced on Sunday: “I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” he noted in a post on X.

Democrats have entered uncharted and uncertain territory. By far the most likely outcome is that the next in line – Kamala Harris – steps up. But not everyone is convinced that clearing the field for her is the best course.

Nine alternative candidates for Democrats

Harris polls little better than the incumbent Joe Biden against Trump, at least thus far. The party also needs to slot in at least one additional candidate on the ticket, even if it’s just for vice president. Many names are likely to circulate for both spots.

1. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

2. California Governor Gavin Newsom

3. Colorado Governor Jared Polis

4. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

5. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

6. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

7. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker

8. Senator Mark Kelly

9. Senator Joe Manchin