California Gov. Gavin Newsom has resumed active participation in the presidential campaign, shifting his support to Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the race.

This marks a significant moment in the Democratic Party's push for the White House as Newsom, once a prominent surrogate for Biden, now plays a crucial role in Harris’s campaign, as Fox News reports.

Newsom had been a visible figure during President Biden’s re-election campaign, traveling and speaking on his behalf. However, after Biden withdrew from the race, which resulted in Harris taking the lead on the ticket, Newsom largely stepped back from the political spotlight.

For over seven weeks, his presence was minimal, except for a brief appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, where he notably had no speaking role.

Newsom Joins Other Governors to Boost Harris

Now, Newsom is once again actively involved, joining other key Democratic governors in supporting Harris. Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico are all involved in the debate spin room, helping to strengthen Harris’s campaign message.

Newsom has also participated in fundraising efforts, headlining a major event for Harris in New York and making media appearances to promote her campaign and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

In an interview with CBS Mornings on Tuesday, Newsom expressed his admiration for Harris's efforts over the past several weeks. He praised her ability to close the gap in the polls, saying, "What Kamala Harris has done in the past eight weeks is unprecedented in U.S. history. She's closed the gap. We're not just in the margin of error. We've expanded the map of the United States."

A Shift in Democratic Leadership Following Biden’s Exit

The shift in leadership within the Democratic Party followed a period of growing pressure on President Biden. After a challenging debate performance against former President Donald Trump in late June, Biden’s capabilities as a candidate were questioned.

Despite Newsom's defense of Biden during that time, the pressure from within the party continued to mount. Eventually, on July 21, Biden officially ended his re-election bid and endorsed Harris as his successor.

Since then, Harris has worked to build momentum for her campaign, and Newsom has re-emerged as a key ally. While his initial involvement was limited, Newsom’s longstanding friendship with Harris appears to be a driving force behind his full return to the campaign trail. As he explained to Fox News Digital, "We knew each other a decade before we both got into politics. One of my oldest friends. So, it’s a no-brainer."

Newsom’s Role in Harris’s Campaign

Though Newsom has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Harris, he has also acknowledged that his involvement may depend on the needs of the campaign.

Speaking to reporters, he expressed his readiness to help but noted, “I’m as needed. But obviously all in.” He also hinted at the possibility of other key figures stepping up as the campaign progresses, stating, "We’ll see. Because everybody’s out there. Everybody’s doing everything."

Three weeks after Biden's exit and Harris's rise to the top of the Democratic ticket, Newsom has resumed his role in full force. His efforts now appear to be centered on helping Harris build a broad coalition of support, both financially and politically.

Looking Ahead as the Democratic Campaign Unfolds

As the presidential race moves forward, Harris will continue to rely on high-profile figures like Newsom to strengthen her campaign. His recent involvement in fundraising and public outreach signals that the Democratic Party is unifying behind Harris as she seeks to lead the charge into the 2024 election. The next few months will be crucial as the party works to maintain its momentum and build a strong foundation for the general election.

In his public appearances, Newsom has remained focused on Harris’s ability to galvanize support and expand her reach across the country. He has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for Harris’s leadership and capabilities, underscoring his belief that her campaign is not just competitive but capable of winning.

Conclusion

Gov. Gavin Newsom's return to the campaign trail in support of Vice President Kamala Harris marks a pivotal shift in the Democratic Party’s 2024 strategy.

After a period of limited involvement, Newsom is now actively participating in fundraising efforts and media appearances, joining other key Democratic governors to bolster Harris's candidacy.

As the race progresses, Newsom’s longstanding friendship with Harris and his commitment to her campaign are expected to play a significant role in unifying the party behind its new presidential ticket.