FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection.

Beshear made the announcement on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. In a post on social media, the governor said Harris is “incredibly tough & smart, w/the compassion and empathy to be a phenomenal president. She’ll bring our country together and move us past the anger politics we’ve seen in recent years.” 

His endorsement comes even as his name has been floated for a potential spot on the Democratic ticket, either as president or vice president. Beshear is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party after winning two elections in deep red Kentucky. He is now said to be on the short list for vice president.

The incumbent governor hasn’t shut the door on joining the party’s national ticket, saying the only way he’d leave the job is if he knew whatever else he was doing could help Kentucky more.

After Biden announced his decision to step down, Beshear joined a chorus of Democrats commending the president for passing the torch.

“While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party,” Beshear said in a statement. “I want to thank him for his leadership, kindness and for a successful presidency that got big, important things done … Now it is time for our nation to come together. We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise. We have an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbor as yourself-and that we are all each other’s neighbor.”