What to know about the Democratic convention now that Biden’s out of race
President Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid means Democrats must now quickly find a new candidate. The Democratic National Convention’s rules committee has called a Wednesday meeting to discuss the process for picking a new nominee.
Although many in the party quickly endorsed Vice President Harris as the nominee-apparent — as Biden did — Democrats still must make a formal nomination, either through virtual vote that would lock in a new nominee in early August, or in an “open” convention.
What does Biden’s exit mean for the Democratic convention?
Biden dropping out of the race means that the DNC convention could have a more significant impact on the 2024 presidential election than expected. If a virtual roll call doesn’t show a clear majority backing Harris, the party will likely hold a mini-primary at the convention. The convention may also serve as the venue for the formal announcement of a new vice-presidential nominee.
“If the overwhelming delegations across the country are wanting the vice president to be the nominee, I think we should go ahead and have the virtual roll call vote,” Gilberto Hinojosa, chair of the Texas Democratic Party and a member of the rules committee, said. “If there’s a big split, which I doubt, then we should leave it to the convention.”
Democrats will likely try to settle the nomination before the convention because some states have August deadlines to get on the ballot for the general election, while early voting begins in some places in September, The Post reported.
When is the DNC convention?
The dates for the convention are Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.
Where is the DNC convention?
It will be in Chicago. Evening activities such as official proceedings and prime-time programming will take place at United Center, the home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. Daytime events will be held at McCormick Place, the sprawling lakefront convention center, according to convention organizers. The Windy City hosted the 1968 Democratic National Convention — the last time the party was forced to pick a presidential candidate because its incumbent had opted not to seek reelection.
Can anyone attend the DNC convention?
Party delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the American territories will attend the convention. The process for selecting delegates is the responsibility of the state parties and was due to be completed last month. It is also possible to attend the convention as a volunteer, after passing a background check, for duties including usher services and coordinating transport for guests.
How many people are expected?
The convention is expected to draw around 50,000 visitors to Chicago. An estimated 15,000 members of the press and around 5,000 delegates are likely to be in attendance.
Will it be an open convention?
If the party is not able to arrive at a consensus on a new nominee before the convention, the Democrats will then have to hold what is known as an “open” convention — their first since 1968 — in which contenders will woo delegates for votes. The potential for chaos is high.
Biden had the support of 3,896 pledged delegates before he dropped out of the race. His delegates do not transfer to Harris based on his endorsement.
Who will be the Democratic nominee?
With Biden out of the race and endorsing Harris, the vice president is the favorite — with many in the party quickly rallying behind her. On Sunday, chairs for the 57 state parties and territories said they are endorsing Harris. Delegations from Louisiana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina also endorsed Harris, and a handful of prominent governors, including California’s Gavin Newsom and New York’s Kathy Hochul, expressed support. At least 15 Democratic senators and 120 House Democrats have lined up behind the vice president.
Harris has said she will seek to “earn and win” the Democratic presidential nomination. She has not yet received the endorsements of some prominent party leaders, and her approval ratings have largely mirrored the decline of Biden’s since 2021.
Who else could replace Biden?
The names of potential alternatives to Harris making the rounds include Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, The Post has reported. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who in recent weeks has been floated as a possible contender, has now endorsed Harris for the top of the ticket. An adviser to Sen. Joe Manchin III (I-W.Va.), meanwhile, told The Post he is considering re-registering as a Democrat to compete for the party’s nomination.
Who is the DNC chair?
Jaime Harrison, a former head of the South Carolina Democratic Party, currently chairs the Democratic National Committee. In a statement posted on social media after Biden’s announcement to not seek reelection, Harrison said Democrats would “undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate” who can beat Trump.
Harrison previously served as an aide to Biden ally, Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.).
Harrison said he was “emotional” about Biden’s decision. “I still support my president. And we will get through this, my friends, as we always do.”