President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, leaving the Democratic Party scrambling for a new nominee just months before the election.
Shortly after announcing his withdrawal, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidate to run against Trump in November. “Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee for our party this year,” Biden posted on X. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Harris, in response, expressed her gratitude and readiness to unite the party. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said in a statement.
In Indiana, key Democratic figures swiftly responded to Biden’s seismic announcement. Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl called on Democrats to rally behind Harris.
“Now is the time to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump and continue the progress of the last three-plus years,” Schmuhl said on Sunday. “Harris has shown leadership on issues impacting everyday Americans, from gun violence prevention to protecting abortion rights and fighting for reproductive justice in all 50 states.”
U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-7th, whose district covers most of Indianapolis, took to X to laud the accomplishments of the Biden administration.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished under President Biden, like setting our economy on the right path after COVID-19. Democrats stand for reason and justice, and we stand on the right side of history. Onward,” Carson wrote.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-1st, Gary’s representative in the U.S. House, posted on X to convey his respect for Biden’s decision.
“I know that the decision to seek any elected position, including the office of presidency, involves the reflection of deeply personal and family considerations, and I respect the President’s decision,” Mrvan wrote.
Schmuhl praised Biden’s leadership.
“We want to thank President Biden for his long service to our country and the exceptional job he has done as president,” he said. “President Biden led our country out of the worst pandemic in 100 years, reignited American manufacturing and infrastructure growth, brought unemployment to a 40-year low, and oversaw record job growth in Indiana and across the country.”
The Democratic National Convention, set to begin Aug. 19 in Chicago, takes on critical importance as delegates have less than a month to choose a new nominee. Thousands of Democratic delegates, including a handful from Gary, will convene to decide who will run against Trump.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who will host the Democratic National Convention next month, pledged support for Harris.
“It is vital for our entire party to come together and support Vice President Kamala Harris,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am proud to give her my full endorsement.”
Check back later for updates.
