Compiled by Seattle Medium news sources
In a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party, key political leaders from the state of Washington have expressed their early and robust support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee for president in the 2024 election. This follows President Joe Biden’s unexpected announcement that he will not seek re-election.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), President Pro Tempore of the Senate, praised Biden’s tenure and endorsed Harris unequivocally.
“America owes a deep debt of gratitude to Joe Biden for his historic leadership—a true patriot who loves this country,” Murray said. She lauded Biden for his achievements, including economic recovery, legislative successes, and international diplomacy. “We must beat Donald Trump—and I know Kamala Harris can win. I am behind Vice President Harris one-hundred percent,” she added.
Washington State Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Harris’s qualifications and ability to unify the party.
“Vice President Kamala Harris has spent the last four years championing and pushing President Biden’s successful agenda. Her lived experience as a Black and Asian American woman has inspired millions of people, myself included,” Conrad stated. She called on all Democrats to offer their unwavering support for Harris, warning against the racism and sexism likely to be faced during the campaign.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson also expressed his support, highlighting Harris’s background as a tough and dedicated leader.
“Vice President Harris was Attorney General of California when I was first elected Washington’s Attorney General. She’s exactly the fighter we need to take on a convicted felon in November and win,” Ferguson said, alluding to the potential rematch against Donald Trump.
Congressperson Marilyn Strickland, Democrat from Washington, commended Biden’s administration for its achievements and endorsed Harris as the candidate to continue this legacy.
“Vice President Kamala Harris, having been a steadfast partner to President Biden, is exceptionally qualified to continue this legacy,” Strickland said. “Her experience and commitment make her the ideal candidate to lead us forward. I wholeheartedly endorse and support her candidacy for President.”
Andrew Villeneuve, a member of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, reinforced the collective call for unity behind Harris’s candidacy.
“We must move quickly to get organized and to unite for the home stretch of this campaign. I don’t feel that is mechanically or logistically possible for anyone besides Vice President Harris to build a winning campaign at this juncture,” Villeneuve noted.
Adding to this wave of support, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal expressed her unwavering endorsement for Harris. Jayapal, a prominent progressive leader, stated, “I am 1000% in for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.”
Jayapal shared that Harris called her on Sunday, shortly after President Biden’s announcement. Jayapal made her statement on X, formerly Twitter, emphasizing her strong backing with a message directed at Harris’s official account, @KamalaHarris.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Washington’s democratic leaders appear to be uniting in their endorsement of Kamala Harris, setting the stage for a dynamic and historic campaign. With a coalition of influential supporters rallying behind her, Harris’s candidacy is gaining significant momentum.
According to political insiders, the Democratic Party is now poised to present a unified front, ready to face the challenges ahead and build on the progress achieved under the Biden administration.