Many Democratic lawmakers immediately backed Vice President Harris for the nomination, including the Congressional Black Caucus and a swath of Democratic senators.
- Washington Sen. Patty Murray said she is behind Harris “100 percent.”
- South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, one of Biden’s closest allies, said, “I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy.”
- Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said she “has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation.”
- Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy said he will be “enthusiastically supporting my friend.”
- Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and California Sen. Laphonza Butler also said they would support Harris.
Along with many Democratic House lawmakers, the Congressional Black Caucus — a key constituency for any nominee — said it “fully backs” the vice president.
But not every Democrat praising President Biden has offered Harris an endorsement. Democratic Sens. Jon Tester of Montana and Peter Welch of Vermont stopped short of throwing their support behind Harris. Welch said in an interview with The Associated Press that he thinks the party needs to “take a little pause and express our appreciation for the president.”
“We have to be making our decisions first and foremost about who can best represent us so we can defeat Trump,” Welch said.
