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Election 2024 updates: Harris raises $50 million after Biden endorsement, campaign says
President Joe Biden was under heavy pressure from fellow Democrats.
President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday came after heavy pressure from congressional Democrats, including Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and more than 30 House lawmakers.
Biden, 81, had resisted calls to step aside that grew almost daily following his poor performance in his June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump and persistent questions about his age and mental fitness. His decision comes just a few months before the Nov. 5 election.
Biden backed his vice president, Kamala Harris for the top of the ticket -- triggering many others in the party to issue statements backing Harris.
Latest headlines:
- Harris raises about $50 million after Biden endorsement, campaign says
- DNC leaders tell members to expect 'next steps' regarding nomination in 'coming days'
- Democrats say they've raised $46.7M: 'Biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle'
- Major Biden donor says he won't fundraise for Harris if she's nominee
- What pushed Biden to drop out of 2024 race?
Biden endorses Vice President Kamala Harris
After announcing he would exit the 2024 race, President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
In a message on X, Biden called picking Harris as his running mate in 2020 the "best decision" he has made.
"My fellow Democrats, 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," he wrote. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made."
"Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year," he wrote. "Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this."
Biden says he'll 'stand down' from 2024 election
President Joe Biden has announced he is stepping down from the 2024 presidential race.
Biden made the announcement on Sunday, saying in a statement, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
The president said he will address the nation later this week with more details about his decision.