Vice President Kamala Harris reacts to the support from the crowd during a campaign rally in Las Vegas, Tuesday, July 9. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via The Associated Press)
Following President Joe Biden’s announcement earlier today that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, and a separate statement by President Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee to succeed him, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas’ 30th Congressional District and Democratic National Committee Member-elect Jeff Strater have both voiced their support for Harris’ presidential bid.
Crockett has consistently supported Biden over the past three weeks despite calls from leading Democratic Party leaders for him to drop out of the race, and a coalition of DNC delegates, including Strater, issued a statement last week reaffirming their support for Biden and pledging to vote for him at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Today (Sunday, July 21), Crockett released the following statement to the delegates representing the 30th Congressional District:
“Today’s news is not what any of us were expecting, but it’s important to stay focused! President Biden has formally announced that he will not seek re-election, but has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.
“Let me be clear: there is only one person who can beat Trump in November – Vice President Kamala Harris. She is well qualified and has served the American people loyally alongside President Biden over the past three and a half years. Now is not the time to lose sight of the task at hand: ensuring our country does not see a second term for President Trump.”
“I am proud to endorse Vice President Harris, and with your support, she will officially become the nominee in Chicago next month.”
Strater told Dallas Voice today that he supports Harris, adding, “Today marks the end of an era for our country, the Democratic Party and the LGBTQ community. President Biden’s leadership has led the way through unprecedented challenges, from revitalizing our economy to defending equality and justice for all Americans. His commitment to public service is unmatched.”
“Now, looking to the future, I fully support Vice President Kamala Harris as president,” Strater added. “Now is the time for us to come together and continue the progress we’ve made under the Biden Administration.”
Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman released a statement today saying, “The Dallas County Democratic Party is deeply grateful to President Biden for his public service over the past 50 years. History books will remember his presidency as one characterized by progress, hope and humility. The Biden-Harris Administration has truly served the people of Texas, with $12 billion for road and bridge improvements, increased gun safety and unprecedented progress growing our economy from the bottom up and into the middle class. Now, in another act of service to our country, President Biden is passing the baton to carve out a new and brighter future for all Americans.”
Other LGBTQ community leaders have also issued statements in response to Biden’s announcement and Harris’ endorsement. Kiera Johnson, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, said, “We are grateful for President Biden’s decades of service and support to the LGBTQ community and all that his administration has done to advance our community. At this critical moment for our democracy and freedom, we are hopeful and excited about Vice President Kamala Harris and what she can do for our country. We look forward to her continued commitment to always put our community first. We now recommit ourselves to the democratic process, our next convention, and moving forward toward the November election.”
“The Task Force Action Fund calls on LGBTQ people and their allies to take action and get involved in the political process. Only by demonstrating our voting power in the November 5th election can we begin to build the democracy we deserve,” Johnson added.
The national LGBTQ political organization known as LPAC and its board of directors released a statement saying the organization is deeply grateful for Biden’s “unwavering support for the LGBTQ community during his time in office. President Biden has been a staunch supporter and defender of LGBTQ rights, especially the rights of those who are most marginalized within our community.”
The LPAC statement praised Biden for “consistently demonstrating his commitment to advancing equality and justice for all LGBTQ people” and for “working to protect the rights of LGBTQ people, including by implementing policies that promote equality, inclusion, and acceptance.”
“LPAC is grateful for President Biden’s leadership and the positive impact he has had on the LGBTQ community. We thank him for his service and dedication to advancing equality and justice for all, and look forward to continuing to work with his administration to ensure the rights of LGBTQ people are protected and defended,” said LPAC Interim Executive Director Janelle Perez.
LPAC also pledged to support Harris, saying, “President Biden’s decision to step down and not seek reelection demonstrates the same selfless spirit that has guided him through an incredibly successful and vital term leading our country. Just as he supported his partner in these achievements, Vice President Kamala Harris, we will support her too. She will win, she will defeat Trump and his Project 2025 policies, and she will be back on Election Day.”
Tammy Nash
