NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – President Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race has forced Democrats to quickly shift gears, and Monday night, Vice President Kamala Harris has support from enough delegates to secure the nomination. It comes just one month away from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
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“This is democracy in action,” said Jessica Velasquez, the Chair for the Democratic Party of New Mexico. “Elected representatives in Congress heard from constituents. They made their voices heard loud and clear.”
Following calls on Biden to step down from the race, New Mexico political leaders are responding.
“I have been a huge supporter of our president and I’m sad that he has decided to not carry forward,” said Representative Melanie Stansbury.
“This has been in the works for a long time,” said Steve Pearce, the Chair for the Republican Party of New Mexico. “I don’t think they anticipated how hard that Biden would fight back.”
Senator Martin Heinrich, and Representative Gabe Vasquez, both Democrats who called on President Biden to step aside, have also weighed in. Heinrich stated, “History will remember President Joe Biden as one of the most effective, accomplished, and successful leaders America has ever had.”
While Rep. Vazquez said, “I commend his decision to step out of the race and put his country first.”
Now, Democratic leaders say they’re ready to support the candidate next in line.
“I do think it speaks to democratic energy and enthusiasm and resolve to make sure that we win elections up and down the ballot,” said Velasquez.
Biden’s drop from the race has also stirred up uncertainty among voters, about what ballots may look like in November, but New Mexico’s Secretary of State’s Office (NMSOS) is assuring voters that whoever is nominated will be on that ballot. “This really has no impact on the everyday voter,” said Alex Curtas, Public Information Officer for NMSOS.
However, the office says Biden’s campaign will need to formally file a document, officially removing him from New Mexico ballots. In the meantime, Democrats have coalesced around Vice President Harris as the nominee. New Mexico’s full congressional delegation and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham- all Democrats- have endorsed Harris.
“We are certain that we’ll be able to get Kamala Harris on the ballot in all 50 states,” said Rep. Stansbury. “She has already shown that she’s raised over 80 million dollars in 24 hours since she announced that she’s the candidate.”
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