Former U.S. President Barack Obama has endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States. This announcement signifies that the vice president has gained support from all leading figures within the Democratic Party.

“We called to say that Michelle and I could not be prouder to support you and to do everything we can to ensure that you make it through this campaign and into the White House,” Obama stated to Harris during a phone call, footage of which was shared on social media. “I can’t have this call without saying to my girl, Kamala, that I am proud of you,” added former First Lady Michelle Obama. “This will be historic.”

The Obamas had not publicly announced their support for Harris until after President Joe Biden decided to withdraw from the race on Sunday. “We told her that we believe she will be a fantastic president for the United States and that she has our full support,” Barack Obama wrote on X (formerly Twitter) regarding his call with Harris earlier this week. “At this critical moment for our country, we will do everything we can to ensure she wins in November.”

Obama made history in 2008 by becoming the first African American president, and Harris aims to make history as the first woman and woman of color elected to lead the country. Obama remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, even over a decade since he last held office, and he has supported Biden, who was his vice president, during major fundraising initiatives.

Harris expressed her gratitude for the Obamas’ support and their long-standing friendship, saying, “Thank you both so much. It means so much. And we’re going to have fun with this, right?”

Harris’s campaign against the Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump continues to gain momentum among supporters, donors, and politicians less than a week after Biden’s withdrawal from the race.