NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Several Democrats in Connecticut are endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race .
Biden posted a statement just before 2 p.m. Sunday announcing he would “stand down” from seeking reelection. Just about a half-hour later, he publicly backed Harris for president .
Connecticut lawmakers react to Biden dropping out of 2024 presidential race U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) formally endorsed Harris on Monday.
“I’m going to stand with Kamala Harris as the candidate for the Democratic Party,” Blumenthal said. “I did not endorse her yesterday [Sunday] because I wanted to give President Biden his day, and he deserves that reverence and respect, but I know carrying on that legacy of caring, compassion and courage and the extraordinary leadership and legacy that he leaves means electing Kamala Harris now as president of the United States.”
VIDEO: Blumenthal endorses Harris as Democratic nominee for president
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) endorsed Harris Sunday night.
“We know how effective she is,” Murphy said. “Joe Biden’s success has been Kamala Harris’ success.”
After Biden drops out of 2024 race, does Kamala Harris become the Democratic nominee? Not exactly Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) posted a statement, saying, “The president has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and I believe she will be the front runner when our convention meets next month.”
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (D-Conn.) said “It’s time for new leadership.”
“There is no one more qualified or more prepared to become our next president than Kamala Harris.”
Sen. Christine Cohen, Rep. Josh Elliott, Rep. Kate Farrar and Rep. Corey Paris — four members of the Connecticut General Assembly who are Connecticut delegates for the Democratic National Convention — “strongly” endorsed Harris.
“We face a critical moment in our country’s history to come together to fight for our democracy, our freedoms and our future,” their statement read. “Vice President Harris has proven she is prepared to lead and will continue the incredible legacy that she shares with President Joe Biden. Time is of the essence to unite and win this election in November. We encourage fellow Connecticut delegates to join us in support of Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party nomination.”
Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) also threw his support behind Harris.
“Vice President Harris has proven herself to be a force in one of the most productive administrations in history,” he said Monday. “As a prosecutor, a senator, and our Vice President, Kamala Harris has demonstrated the leadership, competence, and grace needed to defeat Donald Trump and lead our nation. I will do everything possible to see her elected in November.”
Trump campaign: Harris will be ‘even worse’ than Biden “During the last three and a half years, he’s [Biden] had a great partner in Vice President Kamala Harris, who I strongly support to lead the Democratic Party to build on their record of success with a new agenda focused on our future,” Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) also voiced her support of Harris.
“I join President Biden in saying we should come together to support Vice President Kamala Harris,” she said.
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “Now, it is time to focus on the work of electing Kamala Harris as the next President and winning back the House so we can continue to deliver for the American people.”
Sen. Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) said Harris is “the right person to move the Democratic Party and this nation forward.”
“She is fiercely intelligent and highly capable of leading in this moment” Winfield said. “At a time when so much is at stake, let us unite behind the next President of the United States, Kamala Harris.”
Attorney General William Tong said he couldn’t be more proud to endorse Harris.
“As the daughter of immigrants, the Vice President lives and leads a welcoming, inclusive vision for our country– one that restores and enables the American Dream and that every day helps families do better for themselves and their children. For women and their freedom to choose, for our climate future, for gun safety, for the legitimacy of our democracy at home and abroad, she is the leader we need right now,” he said.
Connecticut Republicans have strong words
“The Democrats are in utter disarray,” Connecticut COP Chair Ben Proto said. “I think we have answers and solutions to issues Americans are talking about at the kitchen table.”
“I do not believe his administration has been successful, quite the opposite,” Senate Republican Leader Steve Harding said.
JD Vance slams Kamala Harris during his solo campaign debut as the GOP vice presidential nominee Some Republicans said our country has suffered these past few years.
“I think there are people who are discouraged and kind of disgusted with politics,” House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said.
There’s also a push for greater transparency about how this historic change to the Democratic ticket is being made.
“What does this really look like? What is the precedent this is setting? What is it doing for democracy? We had a primary for better or worse,” Candelora said. “All those 14 million people that voted… their votes are irrelevant now.”
BIDEN ENDS REELECTION BID
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