Harris could be the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket

President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to become the next Democratic nominee for president after announcing Sunday he is dropping out of the race.

Vice President Kamala Harris has President Joe Biden’s support to become the next Democratic presidential nominee, a mantle that would make her the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead the ticket of a major political party. Harris said she was “honored” to receive Biden’s endorsement and intends to “earn and win” the nomination. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said in a statement. The historic endorsement came after Biden announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the race following weeks of disarray within the Democratic Party. The president’s disastrous debate called into question his ability to win a second term and govern for another four years. “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. 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,” Biden said. Despite the president’s backing, it remains unclear whether Harris will become the nominee, or what process the Democratic Party would take to select an alternative.