Kansas Gov. Kelly thanks Biden for desire to ‘safeguard’ democracy as he leaves race

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly thanked President Joe Biden for his service after he announced Sunday he was withdrawing from the presidential race.

Kelly, who is in her second term, had previously voiced support for Biden as he faced pressure to drop out following a disastrous debate performance in late June.

“For more than five decades, President Biden has made it his life’s work to better our country for hardworking Americans,” Kelly said in a statement. “Above all, he has been firm in his desire to safeguard democracy in a time of hyper-polarization and divisiveness. I thank him for his service and steadfast leadership.”

Kelly, who is in automatic delegate to the Democratic National Convention, didn’t immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. Biden endorsed Harris on Sunday shortly after announcing his decision to drop out in a letter.

As an automatic delegate, Kelly would likely not vote on the convention’s first ballot but would have a vote if multiple ballots are required to choose a nominee. Democrats are scheduled to gather in Chicago for the convention in mid-August.