Democratic Lawmakers Rush to Endorse Kamala Harris as Biden Steps Aside

On Sunday, Democratic lawmakers wasted no time in endorsing Kamala Harris for president after Joe Biden announced he was stepping aside as the party’s 2024 nominee and backing his running mate for the top spot.

“Today, I’m proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who conveyed her constituents’ concerns about Biden staying in the race.

“I look forward to her candidacy as a new beginning for our party and our country,” said Baldwin. “I am excited to work with her to lower costs for Wisconsin families, grow our Made in America economy, and restore our fundamental rights and freedoms.”

“I respect President Biden’s difficult decision to step aside in this upcoming election,” said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who privately and publicly raised concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump.

“While there has to be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation,” Warner said.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), one of the lawmakers who publicly called on Biden to “pass the torch” to another presidential nominee, on Sunday praised Biden for having “selflessly served our nation with courage, heart, and honor.”

“Now, we must come together, build on the legacy of the Biden administration, and show voters that Democrats up and down the ballot are improving the lives of all Americans,” Schneider said. “I’m confident that, with Vice President Kamala Harris at the helm of the Democratic ticket, we can do exactly that. We will defeat Donald Trump.”

“Onward,” he added.

Democrats raced to endorse Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out, bowing to pressure from allies, lawmakers, and donors.

Democratic lawmakers have been concerned about Biden’s prospects in November after his debate performance against Trump last month. They have raised concerns about his age, mental acuity, and fitness to hold the office for another four years.

Privately, party figures and longtime allies, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, reportedly orchestrated efforts to push Biden to step aside.

Until Sunday, Biden insisted on staying in the race, dismissing his debate performance as a bad night and expressing his desire to “finish the job” of his administration. However, following embarrassing gaffes and escalating pressure, he ultimately gave in to their demands.

Democratic lawmakers praised Biden’s legacy and love of country in their statements on Sunday. However, they quickly pivoted to endorsing Harris, which Biden had implicitly approved.

“President Biden made a difficult decision for the good of our nation,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.).

“There’s so much at stake in this election — let’s unite as a country behind Vice President Kamala Harris and rise victorious over extremism this November,” she said. “There has never been a more critical election than this one for women’s reproductive rights, for democracy, and for our future.”

The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago on Aug. 19. Typically, delegates would nominate the presidential candidate at the convention, but this year the Democratic National Committee is planning a virtual roll call to finalize the nomination before the convention.

Party officials have suggested that virtual voting will occur between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7.

“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” Vice President Kamala Harris said after Biden endorsed her.

With Harris at the top of the ticket, the party will need to select a new vice presidential nominee, which they will work on in the coming days.

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) emphasized the need for the party to unite behind Harris.

“I strongly support and endorse Kamala Harris to be our Democratic nominee for President of the United States,” said Kildee. “Kamala Harris has already been elected and earned the trust of the American people, and she has served honorably as Vice President. She is uniquely qualified to serve as President of the United States.”

Harris responded to Biden’s endorsement with a statement expressing her honor. She stated her intention to “earn and win this nomination” and continue engaging with Americans to highlight their choice in the election.