U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, who came out in support of President Joe Biden’s re-election less than two weeks ago, is now endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next commander-in-chief with the incumbent bowing out of the race this afternoon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“President Biden’s leadership and courage paved the way for one of the most productive presidencies in recent history. I am tremendously grateful for his decades of dedication and civil service to our county,” Menendez said in a statement this evening.
“I know that Vice President Harris will continue this legacy and I am proud to support her campaign for President.”
Biden, who had been under fire from within the Democratic party since a disastrous ABC debate with former President Donald Trump (R), now the Republican nominee, on June 27th, wrote in a letter today that he would be withdrawing from the race.
This came after 35 Democratic senators and members of Congress asked him to step aside and the president subsequently endorsed Harris, his running mate in 2020, to succeed him.
While Menendez, who is all but certain to win a second term on November 5th after winning the June 4th primary against Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Kyle Jasey, is the sixth member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation to endorse Harris today.
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11), a potential candidate for governor next year who asked Biden to step aside, and U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3), the Democratic nominee for the Senate seat currently held by now convicted felon Bob Menendez, Rob’s father.
Joining them are U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-5), another possible Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Frank Pallone (D-6), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12).
Additionally, Newark Council President LaMonica McIver, who won Tuesday’s special primary election for the seat in 10th Congressional District and was then appointed on Thursday but is yet to be sworn in, has gotten on board with Harris for president as well.
Gov. Phil Murphy (D), whose circle has expressed interest in being vice president, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who is running for governor, have also come out early for Harris’ presidential run.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, another gubernatorial candidate, backed Biden’s re-election on July 10th, the same day Menendez did, and is yet to weigh in since the president left the race.
