(The Cenyter Square) – A number of Arizona Democrats are following President Joe Biden's lead and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party's new nominee for president.
Biden ended his reelection campaign Sunday after receiving pressure from members of the Democratic Party following his debate against former President Donald Trump.
In his place, Biden pledged support for Harris, and in the next 36 hours, Democrats across the nation jumped on the Harris bandwagon including the majority of Arizona’s Democratic delegates.
Among those endorsing Harris are U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Commissioner Anna Tovar, Rep. Ruben Gallego, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and many others.
“Let’s make history and elect the first woman president this November,” Tovar said in a post on X. “Let’s do this.”
Additionally, numerous Arizona mayors including delegates Regina Romero, mayor of Tucson, and Corey Woods, mayor of Tempe, joined together in support of Harris, releasing a statement through the Democratic Mayors Association.
“As Mayors, we are the closest to the people and understand better than most that too much is at stake for our communities to endure another Donald Trump presidency,” reads the statement. “We are fully confident that progress will continue under the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris. Democratic Mayors enthusiastically endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the next nominee and are ready to support her vision of delivering opportunity for all Americans.”
While some pledged support for Harris, others simply expressed gratitude to Biden and encouraged Arizonans to vote for whomever the Democratic nominee ends up being, citing Trump as a “threat to our democracy,” according to Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Yoland Bejarano.
“President Biden has fought to make the lives of working families better, and we thank him for his incredible service,” Bejarano said. “Today through November 5, we are steadfast in our commitment to defeating Donald Trump once and for all, and electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”
Following the announcement, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, predicting that a sense of panic may ensue following Biden’s announcement, assured citizens that he is confident Arizona’s election will “represent the will of the people, reflecting their needs and priorities.”
“To those expecting chaos from this announcement, the Secretary of State governs by a set of rules and laws that ensure the proper administration of elections,” Fontes said. “Despite this moment in our nation’s history, one thing remains certain: election officials and staff across the country are working to guarantee that our elections remain secure and fair, and that every eligible ballot is counted accurately.”
Among the Democratic delegates are leaders of Arizona’s indigenous tribes, including Colorado River Indian Tribes Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon M. Jose, Gila River IC Governor Stephen Roe Lewis and Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.
“As Navajo Nation President, I express my deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his resilient leadership for Indian Country,” Nygren said. “President Biden has been a steadfast champion for tribes across the United States. His legacy will be etched in history with hope and grace, as he stands among the most impactful presidents. I am honored to call him a friend and to have worked alongside him.”
While Democrats expressed support in Biden’s decision and faith in Harris as a presidential candidate, many Republicans saw Biden’s resignation as a sign of weakness and failure on the part of the Democratic party.
“Nothing shows how little respect the DNC has for the American people than hiding Joe Biden and Kamala Harris from the public on a day like this,” reads a post by U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake on X. “They don’t think we’re owed an explanation for this switcheroo.”
Whether Harris or not, the Democratic presidential nomination will be determined at the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.
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