As Kamala Harris took the spotlight on the 2024 campaign trail, other ambitious Democrats were also making moves across the country, laying the groundwork for the party’s future. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania was one of several Democrats who traveled extensively to support Vice President Harris, raising their own profiles in the process.
In Texas, Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan paid tribute to Houston native Beyoncé and highlighted the Democratic successes in her home state to a room full of party activists. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania spoke at a historic Atlanta church, drawing parallels between himself and the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a person of faith. Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois was in Nevada, rallying with union members and attending events in support of abortion rights as early voting began.
Although there was no competitive presidential primary race this year, emerging Democratic leaders seized the opportunity to campaign for the presidential ticket, support down-ballot candidates, engage in national fundraising efforts, and make appearances on cable news networks. These efforts allowed them to expand their platforms, build wider networks, and gain new supporters in key political states.
These advantages will play a crucial role in determining who wields significant influence in shaping the future of the Democratic Party and who garners attention in the early stages of the next presidential race. The groundwork laid by these up-and-coming Democrats during the 2024 campaign season will likely impact the trajectory of the party moving forward.
While the spotlight may have been on Kamala Harris during the recent election cycle, the behind-the-scenes work of other Democratic leaders across the country has not gone unnoticed. As the party looks ahead to the future, these rising stars will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping its direction and priorities. The 2024 campaign season may not have featured a competitive primary race, but it certainly provided a platform for emerging Democratic leaders to make their mark and position themselves for future opportunities.