President Biden announces he will not seek re-election, endorses Brentwood resident Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris Gains Support as Democratic Nominee

President Joe Biden announced Sunday afternoon, via a press release shared on social media, that he would not seek reelection after insisting for weeks that his campaign would continue. Democratic politicians and donors criticized President Biden after his disastrous performance in the June 27 presidential debate.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as president. And while I intend to run for re-election, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country that I step aside and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” he said.

In a second statement, President Biden endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris, a Brentwood resident, as the Democratic nominee for president: “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and will focus all of my energy on serving as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party’s nominee in 2020 was to select Kamala Harris as my running mate. And it was the best decision I have ever made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement to Kamala Harris to be our party’s nominee this year. Democrats, it’s time to come together and defeat Trump. Let’s do it.”

Vice President Harris accepted President Joe Biden’s endorsement and congratulated him in a statement on social media: “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.

“I am honored to have the President’s support and intend to win this nomination. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

With the Democratic National Convention just a month away and the election just 100 days away, Harris’ Democratic supporters rushed to back Harris today, following in Biden’s footsteps.

Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock posted a message on Instagram saying, “Fifty years of extraordinary service to our country by our President and many momentous accomplishments by Joe Biden in defense of our democracy. The impact he has had and will continue to have is improving the lives of our American people. Joe always puts our country first, and he has supported Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the mantle. I have been fortunate to meet Kamala and Joe over the past few years, and I know Kamala Harris will be a great president for all citizens of this country. Go Kamala, Go!”

Rep. Ted Lieu of the 36th District, which includes Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City and Beverly Hills, said on social media: “Four years ago, I was the first member of Congress to endorse Kamala for president. Vice President Harris will be the Democratic nominee and she will win in November.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said of Vice President Harris: “California is stronger because of her work as attorney general and senator. America is stronger because of her work as vice president. I am proud to endorse Vice President Harris to be the next president of the United States, and I call on all Democrats to join me in doing everything in your power to help her win this election.”

Rep. Isaac G. Bryan of the 55th District, which includes parts of Century City, Culver City, Palms, Ladera Heights, Mar Vista, Pico-Robertson and West Adams, said simply: “This is the right decision. Selfless, powerful, historic.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom said on social media: “Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.”

With our democracy at stake and our future at stake, no one is better positioned than US Vice President @KamalaHarris to lead this case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction.

Culver City Mayor Yasmine McMorrin said, “Thank you for your service and leadership to our country @JoeBiden! My friends, we must do everything we can to elect @KamalaHarris and her running mate in November – and I will be there with her every step of the way!”

Sen. Alex Padilla said on social media: “I’ve worked with @KamalaHarris for decades. No one is more prepared to unite Democrats and defeat Donald Trump.”