Washington Democrats support Biden’s decision to drop out of presidential race • Washington State Standard

Washington state’s Democratic leaders on Sunday expressed broad support for President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, with some immediately backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the best choice to succeed him at the top of the ballot.

The calls for Biden’s resignation began after a catastrophic debate appearance on June 27 against former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee. Washington lawmakers – including Reps. Adam Smith and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez – were among those urging Biden to drop out of the race or questioning whether he was up to the task.

Although Biden endorsed Harris in the election and she announced on Sunday that she would seek the nomination, it was unclear how Democrats would select a replacement candidate.

Below is a summary of comments from elected officials and others in Washington regarding Biden’s announcement, which he made in a letter posted on social media on Sunday afternoon.

Support for Harris

U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Democrat

America owes a huge debt of gratitude to Joe Biden for his historic leadership. … In 2020, he saved American democracy by defeating Donald Trump, and he has led one of the most successful presidential administrations in history. I stand 100 percent behind Vice President Harris.

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle

President Joe Biden has been the most progressive and effective president on domestic and economic policy that I have ever seen. … I applaud his full support of Vice President Harris as our Democratic nominee who will carry on President Biden’s legacy, defeat Donald Trump, win the House and Senate, and defend our rights and freedoms. Vice President Harris has proven time and time again that she can lead the case against Donald Trump and campaign vigorously for Democrats when the vote is over.

US Representative Adam Smith, Democrat from Bellevue

I believe Joe Biden made the right decision. I applaud President Joe Biden for making this difficult decision. I think it is the best path forward for our country. … I strongly support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president.

US Representative Marilyn Strickland, Democrat, Tacoma

President Biden has served our country faithfully and honorably. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude for all he has done with the clear goal of improving people’s lives. Vice President Harris has been his partner and is the most qualified successor. She has my full support.

Shasti Conrad, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party in Washington State

He is a true patriot who ensured that the Democratic Party denied Donald Trump a second term and who accomplished more in one term than many presidents have in two. I urge his delegates to support Vice President Kamala Harris. … We must offer Vice President Harris our full support. We cannot and will not survive another media cycle of hand-wringing about whether the country will accept a woman as president.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Democratic candidate for governor

Like many Washingtonians, I am grateful that President Joe Biden has decided to suspend his re-election campaign. While the decision was obviously difficult for him and his family, it was the right decision – for America and for his legacy as an outstanding president. I am pleased that Democrats can now rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who can unite our party and our country. I am proud to offer her my support and endorsement.

“Stop at the peak”

Governor of Washington, Jay Inslee, Democrat

As he has for five decades, Joe Biden puts his country first. In the long run, his work to protect us from the ravages of climate change will be seen as a historic achievement. Biden retires with a long track record of which we can all be proud.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat

The Democratic Party needs a standard-bearer who can carry our economic message – continuing the historic achievement of creating more economic opportunity for the working class and focusing on lowering costs. President Biden has led our nation to these historic successes. Just like our party’s successes on Social Security, Medicare and family leave, Biden’s actions on infrastructure, manufacturing and lowering drug costs will be a tremendous legacy.

U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Democrat, Skamania County

My prayers are with the President and his family. I am sure this was not an easy decision for him, and I believe he made it in the national interest. My job is to represent all the people of Southwest Washington, and most of them have no confidence in the President’s fitness for office. They deserve to have their confidence restored.

Gluesenkamp Perez also said on social media: It is time to look forward and put the past behind us. The next president must be clearly fit for the office and that fit must be demonstrated publicly.

US Representative Suzan DelBene, Democrat from Medina, Chair of the Democratic Campaign Committee of the House of Representatives

“Joe Biden was the most influential president in modern history. His legacy will be principled leadership that puts families and communities first and strives to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all. This fall, Democrats will take back the People’s House to build on his legacy and defend our rights, our freedoms, and our democracy for generations to come.”

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, Democrat, Everett

I applaud President Biden’s vision and leadership. With him in the White House, our agenda became a reality for the American people. I believe we can build on these accomplishments and continue to deliver important results…if we elect Democrats.

U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, D-Sammamish

President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election is another example of his selflessness and commitment to our country. … By passing the torch to a new generation of leaders, President Biden is setting an inspiring example of putting country before self. … I have no doubt that he will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents in our country’s history.

State Senator Mark Mullet, Democratic candidate for governor

“He is a highly successful president who has never lost an election to the Republicans in his life and has chosen to step down for the good of our democracy. His capacity for humility and selflessness is all but extinct among today’s politicians, but is desperately needed.

Republicans speak out

Jim Walsh, Chairman of the Republican Party of Washington State

It is disturbing that President Joe Biden is abandoning his campaign this late in our country’s process. Many American voters chose him over other candidates in the caucuses and primaries. Now Biden is allowing party elites to overrule the voters’ choice and nominate a new candidate as his party’s presidential nominee. That is not democracy. It is a small group — who tend to be more politically extreme than regular voters — that is putting the party above the people.

Carmen Goers, Republican candidate in the 8th Congressional District

President Biden showed true strength when he announced today that he will not seek a second term. Regardless of what I think of his policies or political views, this is not an easy decision and should be considered with the respect it deserves. I will work with everyone in the Oval Office to make sure my constituents in the 8th Congressional District are heard.