California Governor Gavin Newsom worked with Vice President Kamala Harris for years in their home state, and now the influential executive is throwing his weight behind her after Sunday’s shakeup in the Presidential race.
In a post to X, formerly Twitter at 4:34 p.m. Sunday, Newsom endorsed Harris as his choice to lead the country just hours after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the election. Biden endorsed Harris himself shortly after.
“Tough. Fearless. Tenacious,” Newsom said. “With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, Kamala Harris.”
The pair worked tightly beginning about two decades ago. In 2003, they were both elected to prominent positions in San Francisco — Harris as District Attorney and Newsom as Mayor.
They both served in those positions until 2011, when they both took positions at the state level. Newsom then served as Lt. Governor and Harris as Attorney General. Harris was later a Senator during the first two years of Newsom’s stint as Governor.
Now, Newsom is offering his endorsement to Harris, who began her campaign for the Presidency on Sunday.
Newsom himself was considered a potential pick for the White House when speculation began that Biden could step down after his disastrous debate performance late last month. The California Governor shot down questions regarding his interest in the job, and now his endorsement of Harris likely puts that speculation to rest.
Newsom’s term as Governor expires in early 2027.