President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump, which raised doubts about his fitness for office. This unprecedented move, made less than four months before the election, has significantly disrupted the campaign viewed as highly consequential by both political parties.

Biden, determined to serve out his current term, swiftly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to face Trump, urging his party to rally behind her. This endorsement makes Harris the frontrunner for the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August in Chicago.

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The announcement comes on the heels of a tumultuous campaign season, including an assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally just a week prior. A presumptive presidential nominee stepping down so close to an election is unheard of; the closest historical parallel is President Lyndon Johnson’s decision in March 1968 not to seek another term amid the Vietnam War, which occurred after only one primary state had voted. Biden’s decision comes after over 14 million Democrats supported him through the primary process.

In her statement, Harris commended Biden’s “selfless and patriotic act” and vowed to “earn and win” the party’s nomination. She emphasized her commitment to uniting the Democratic Party and the nation to defeat Trump and his Project 2025 agenda.

Biden’s decision follows increasing pressure from Democratic allies after his performance in the June 27 debate, where the 81-year-old president struggled, gave nonsensical answers, and failed to counter Trump’s falsehoods. In his letter posted on social media, Biden stated it was the greatest honor of his life to serve as President and acknowledged that stepping down was in the best interest of his party and the country.

Biden endorsed Harris nearly 30 minutes after announcing his withdrawal, urging Democrats to unite and beat Trump. Early signs indicate the party is coalescing around Harris, with endorsements from the Congressional Black Caucus and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Former President Barack Obama, who had privately expressed doubts about Biden’s reelection chances, praised Biden’s decision but stopped short of endorsing Harris. Obama expressed confidence that the party would select an outstanding nominee.

Biden, currently isolating at his Delaware beach house due to a recent COVID-19 diagnosis, has been consulting closely with family and confidants about his political future. He plans to address the nation later this week to provide more details about his decision.

Harris learned of Biden’s plans on Sunday morning, with senior campaign and White House staff notified shortly before the public announcement. The decision, made after several days of reflection, was closely held.

The Democrats now face the challenge of quickly uniting behind a new nominee and convincing voters that their candidate can handle the presidency and defeat Trump. Trump, meanwhile, must shift focus to a new opponent after years of targeting Biden.

Biden’s withdrawal marks a swift and surprising end to his 52-year career in electoral politics. Despite winning the vast majority of delegates and all but one nominating contest, doubts about his ability to serve another term persisted among donors, lawmakers, and aides.

Harris, 59, is seen as the natural successor due to her ability to tap into Biden’s campaign resources. The Biden campaign has formally rebranded as Harris for President, indicating her inheritance of his political operation. The Democratic National Committee and other Democratic groups have also updated their fundraising efforts to reflect Harris’ candidacy.