Kirsten Gillibrand (dropped out)
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Kirsten Gillibrand (dropped out)

Gillibrand, 52, had been laying the groundwork for a presidential run, spurring the Late Show host to question her about her political aspirations. She responded by saying, “Yes, I’m filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight.” Once her committee is established, the New York lawmaker will be permitted to start fundraising and planning her campaign.

Gillibrand was a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition during her time in the House. However, her policies shifted more towards the left when she was appointed to Hillary Clinton‘s Senate seat when she became the Secretary of State under Barack Obama. Gillibrand was re-elected to the Senate in 2012 and 2018, serving six terms in total. Currently, Gillibrand has been a pivotal figure in the #MeToo movement, speaking out against sexual assault. She also, to the ire of some in her party, stated that Bill Clintonshould have resigned when his affair with Monica Lewinsky surfaced.