As the Democratic Party looks ahead to the next presidential election, speculation swirls around potential successors to President Joe Biden should he decide not to seek reelection. Despite being the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, Biden’s age has raised questions about his future in office.
Among the names floated as possible replacements are California Governor Gavin Newsom and former First Lady Michelle Obama. However, according to Larry Elder, a former candidate for California governor and president in 2024, the most likely successor is Vice President Kamala Harris.
Elder’s reasoning centers on Harris’s ability to check all the boxes of Democrats’ identity politics, making her a formidable candidate within the party.
Kamala Harris, a former senator from California, made history as the first female, first Black, and first Asian American vice president. Her background and experience align closely with the diverse and progressive values of the Democratic Party, making her a natural choice for many Democrats looking to maintain the party’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Elder’s prediction comes at a time when speculation about Biden’s future intentions is at its peak. Despite Biden’s insistence that he plans to run for reelection, his age and the rigors of the presidency have led some to question whether he will ultimately decide to step down.
Governor Newsom, who faced a recall election in 2021 but ultimately retained his position, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and a champion of progressive causes such as climate change and healthcare reform. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has also garnered praise, further boosting his profile within the party.
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, remains a popular figure among Democrats and could bring a level of star power to the ticket that few other candidates could match.
Her advocacy for issues such as education, healthy eating, and veterans’ rights has earned her a dedicated following and could make her a formidable candidate in her own right.
However, despite the speculation surrounding Newsom and Obama, many Democrats see Harris as the most likely successor to Biden.
Her position as vice president gives her a level of visibility and influence within the party that other candidates lack, and her ability to energize the party’s base could make her a formidable contender in a future primary race.
Of course, much can change between now and the next presidential election, and the Democratic field is likely to be crowded with potential candidates. But for now, all eyes are on Vice President Kamala Harris as the heir apparent to Joe Biden’s legacy.
