Jul 23, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Schumer and Jeffries endorse Kamala Harris to replace Biden

Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, wearing blue suits, standing at microphones outside the White House. — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at the White House on Feb. 27, 2024. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Why it matters: The Democratic congressional leaders were among the last major Democratic Party figures who have held out on backing Harris to replace President Biden at the top of the ticket.

Harris has been endorsed by Biden, the Clintons and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — and has already clinched the delegates she needs to become the nominee.

What they're saying: "We are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris," Schumer told reporters at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's D.C. headquarters.

"Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation," Jeffries said.

Between the lines: Schumer and Jeffries held out on immediately endorsing Harris to give her space to win support from rank-and-file members, according to multiple senior Democratic lawmakers.

Jeffries inched close to endorsing Harris during a closed-door Democratic caucus meeting on Tuesday, telling colleagues she will be the 47th president.

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Schumer and Jeffries endorse Kamala Harris to replace Biden

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