Biden bows out as Democratic nominee. Now what?

President Joe Biden has abandoned his reelection bid and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Democrats now must navigate this seismic change by the time they meet in Chicago Aug. 19-22 to formalize a new ticket.

Next steps

Kamala Harris runs for president

Others may seek nomination

Already has campaign apparatus in place

Woo delegates/Coalesce around a candidate

Would have to stand up a campaign

Already has access to campaign & affiliated group funds

Limited access to funds and fundraising

Candidate debates?

Aug. 19: Democrats gather in Chicago for open convention

Delegates vote for presidential candidate

In the first round, only pledged delegates may vote; in later rounds, if needed, party leaders and other prominent Democrats known as “superdelegates” can also cast ballots.

Enough votes for nomination?

No

Yes

*There is no modern precedent for announcing a would-be running mate under these circumstances. It could be done as part of wooing delegates or delayed until it’s clear who the presidential nominee will be. Either way, delegates have to vote formally on the vice presidential candidate.

Delegates vote for VP candidate*

Enough votes for nomination?

No

Yes

Democratic ticket set

Source: AP reports

Biden bows out as Democratic nominee. Now what?

President Joe Biden has abandoned his reelection bid and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Democrats now must navigate this seismic change by the time they meet in Chicago Aug. 19-22 to formalize a new ticket.

Next steps

Kamala Harris runs for president

Others may seek nomination

Woo delegates/Coalesce around a candidate

Already has campaign apparatus in place

Would have to stand up a campaign

Already has access to campaign & affiliated group funds

Limited access to funds and fundraising

Candidate debates?

Aug. 19: Democrats gather in Chicago for open convention

Delegates vote for presidential candidate

In the first round, only pledged delegates may vote; in later rounds, if needed, party leaders and other prominent Democrats known as “superdelegates” can also cast ballots.

No

Enough votes for nomination?

Yes

*There is no modern precedent for announcing a would-be running mate under these circumstances. It could be done as part of wooing delegates or delayed until it’s clear who the presidential nominee will be. Either way, delegates have to vote formally on the vice presidential candidate.

Delegates vote for VP candidate*

Enough votes for nomination?

No

Yes

Democratic ticket set

Source: AP reports