Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
(CBM) – On June 21, President Joe Biden announced in a letter posted on social media that he is ending his candidacy for a second term and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden, 81, addressed the nation in a statement.
Shortly after Biden’s announcement, political and civil leaders from across California reacted to the President’s decision.
Gov. Gavin Newsom hailed Biden’s leadership as President.
“President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans,” Newsom said. “He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.”
Lori Wilson, the chairperson for the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), released a statement wishing Biden well and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as Biden’s Democratic nominee successor.
“As Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I would like to express our gratitude to President Biden and thank him for his many years of service and support of policies uplifting Black Californians,” Wilson stated. “As a Caucus, we are proud to stand with President Biden and offer our wholehearted and unconditional endorsement to Vice President Kamala D. Harris. We look forward to working hard to ensure she is elected President in November.”
Biden’s campaign released a statement from Harris.
“I am honored to have the president’s endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris stated. “Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.”
U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) released a statement commending Biden for his many accomplishments.
“From appointing the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court to historic investments in addressing climate change and improving infrastructure, to saving lives and reviving our economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden’s legacy as president will live on forever,” Lee stated. This day is about honoring him.”
Lee also endorsed Harris for President.
“The contrast can’t be clearer: Vice President Harris is a prosecutor. Donald Trump is a convicted felon. Vice President Harris is a woman that wants to protect reproductive freedom and the rights of all people,” said Lee in a statement. “Donald Trump wants to take those rights away. We need to unite around Vice President Harris and ensure that Donald Trump does not get another opportunity to be in the White House ever again.”
LaNiece Jones, Executive Director of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), thanked Biden for his service and praised him for his endorsement of Harris.
“We are profoundly thankful for your steadfast commitment to ensuring equity and equality for Black women and all Americans. Your efforts to create a more just and inclusive society do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly with you as you pass the torch to the next U.S. President.” said Jones. “We are immensely proud of and commend your historic endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, a longtime and esteemed member of BWOPA, to lead this nation.”
California Senate President pro-Tempore Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) also expressed his appreciation for Biden’s presidency.
“His leadership has been nothing short of tremendous, especially coming out of a global pandemic. California is deeply grateful for his tireless dedication to this nation we all love to call home,” said McGuire.
California U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler said the nation owes Biden a “debt of gratitude for his service and patriotism.”
“Thanks to his leadership, the American people have witnessed historic investments in education, infrastructure, and so much more,” said Butler in a statement. “The threat to all that progress remains, and we must now do everything we can to ensure Vice President Harris succeeds. There’s no one better prepared for this challenge.”
California U.S. Congressmember Eric Swalwell (D-Livermore) endorsed Harris.
“I am all in with Kamala Harris,” Swalwell said on a public television network.
Former U.S. Congressmember and current Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says she will continue to work with the Biden administration until it ends in January 2025.
“I know that the work will continue through the remainder of the President’s term, and I look forward to continuing to partner with him and Vice President Harris to deliver results for those whom we serve,” Bass stated.
California U.S. Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) posted on X that says she’s “all in” and that she has endorsed Harris.
“Let’s do this Democrats. Let’s do this, Independents. Let’s do this, disaffected Republicans. Here. We. Go. Win!”
California U.S. Congressmember Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) posted on the social media platform X that Harris has her “full support.”
“Thank you, President Biden! I am one of your greatest supporters and I was willing to stay with you through the Democratic Party nomination. However, you have decided to step down and you have endorsed your Vice President Kamala Harris. You are a kind and decent man who is willing to make a sacrifice for what you believe is for the good of the country.”