Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to become the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection. Over the weekend, Biden endorsed Harris, praising her as an exceptional vice president and urging the party to rally behind her. But Harris faces significant challenges in the upcoming race against President Donald Trump.

Current polling data shows Trump leading Harris by 1.7% in a direct matchup, according to the RealClearPolitics average. In a broader race including independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Trump’s lead extends to 5%. Multiple polls underscore this trend, with a JL Partners survey showing Trump ahead by 11 points, a Socal Research poll indicating an 8-point lead, YouGov reporting a 5-point advantage, and Emerson College showing a 6-point lead for Trump. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll from earlier this month had Harris slightly ahead with a 50% to 49% lead over Trump.

Biden’s endorsement emphasized the successes of their administration and highlighted Harris’s qualifications. He described selecting her as his running mate in 2020 as a pivotal decision and called for party unity to secure victory in November. However, the official nomination will be decided at the Democratic National Convention, where Harris will need to consolidate support within her party.

Despite endorsements from prominent Democrats, Harris’s campaign faces scrutiny over her polling performance against Trump. To improve her chances, the Democratic Party must address these concerns and strengthen its support for Harris. As the election season progresses, the competition between Trump and Harris will likely intensify, making strategic efforts crucial for Harris’s campaign.