Biden picks Whitmer to Vice Chair DNC

President-elect Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he has selected Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to Vice Chair the Democratic National Committee. Jaime Harrison will server as Chair. He is an officer of the DNC, and had served as the leader of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

Additional nominations on Thursday included Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Texas Rep. Filemon Vela Jr. as vice chairs. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was tapped to serve as vice chair of civic engagement and voter protection, according to MLive.

In his announcement of these new nominees, Biden said:

"This group of individuals represent the very best of the Democratic Party. Their stories and long histories of activism and work reflects our party's values and the diversity that make us so strong. As our country faces multiple crises from systemic racism to the COVID-19 pandemic, working families in America need and deserve real leadership.

"We need to elect Democrats across our country and up and down the ballot. To do that is going to take tireless leadership, committed to strengthening Democratic infrastructure across our states. These leaders are battle-tested and ready for this immense task. I know they will get the job done."

Whitmer will not have to leave her post as governor of Michigan to take on the role, as she will be able to focus on DNC strategy while running her home state. The term of office will run from 2021 to 2025, and the DNC vote will happen the day after Biden's inauguration, on Jan. 21.

Michigan was the site of one the first anti-lockdown protests in May 2020, an occurrence that Whitmer roundly condemned. Only one month later, in June, Whitmer marched with BLM protestors.