ATLANTA — Vice President Kamala Harris is looking to garner support from Democratic delegates behind her campaign for the White House after President Joe Biden stepped aside amid concerns from within their party that he would be unable to defeat Republican Donald Trump.
Biden's exit Sunday, prompted by Democratic worries over his fitness for office, was a seismic shift to the presidential contest that upended both major political parties' carefully honed plans for the 2024 race.
Below are some of the reactions from Georgia leaders, already throwing their support behind the vice president as she looks to be the Democratic nominee:
Endorsements from Georgia leaders
Senator Jon Ossoff: “Vice President Harris is now absolutely the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country. @KamalaHarris is prepared, ready to win, & has my full support.”
Senator Raphael Warnock: “I’ve been proud to work alongside him & our very able Vice President, @KamalaHarris. I am proud to endorse her candidacy to be the next President of the United States.”
Congressman Hank Johnson: “I thank President Biden for his leadership and service to our nation, and I pledge my support to vice President Harris. Together, we will defeat Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda and elect Kamala Harris to finish the job that Biden and Harris started.”
Congressman Sanford Bishop: “I believe that he’s a patriotic individual unlike the gentleman on the other side. I think that he’s making decisions that he believes are in the best interest of the American people. I believe at this point in time, she has been in the second chair for the last four years. She’s imminently qualified to be president.”
Congresswoman Lucy McBath: “I first met Vice President Harris as a gun safety advocate before I ran for Congress. Then and now, her leadership, vision, and commitment to America amaze me. I unequivocally endorse @KamalaHarris to lead and win our Democratic ticket this November.”
Congresswoman Nikema Williams: “We are grateful to President @JoeBiden
for everything he has done and will continue to do for our Country. Remember, defeating Donald Trump was always the goal. Sending @KamalaHarris to the Oval Office is how we get there. Eyes on the prize! 🏆”
Stacey Abrams: “I’ve known Vice President Kamala Harris for a long time. She’s a tenacious fighter, a champion for our rights & defender of our democracy. United, she will lead us as we defeat Donald Trump this November. I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as our Democratic nominee. Let’s go!”
Mayor Van Johnson: “President @JoeBiden has led a transformative administration that has significantly benefited millions of Americans. He has served well. I eagerly anticipate supporting Vice President @KamalaHarris and our new Vice Presidential candidate next month in Chicago. Let’s WIN!”
Mayor Andre Dickens: “Let’s go!”
Georgia Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler: “Kamala Harris has been an excellent Vice President, she will be an excellent President, and Democrats across the country will work hard to elect her this November.”
State Senator Nabilah Islam: “My son can’t talk yet but I already told him that we are going to have our first half Jamaican, half South Asian President just like him. The Islam Parkes household is proud to support VP Kamala Harris to be our next President. Can’t wait to see her crush Donald Trump.”
State Representative Phil Olaleye: “Thank you President @joebiden. Not many leaders have the humility to listen and put the country’s interest ahead of their own. We owe you a debt of gratitude for your accomplishments these four years. Let’s go make history & elect @VP Kamala Harris as the next President.”
State Representative Shea Roberts: “History in the making. Trump has and will continue to strip women of our freedom! Who better to stop the self-proclaimed dictator, convicted felon and rapist than a woman? Let's get to work, Y'all!!”
Former State Senator Jason Carter: “I have known @KamalaHarris for almost 15 years. She is ready and our nation is ready. We should all be honored to join President Biden in supporting her as our nominee! I’m in and ready to work!”
Chatham County Commissioner Aaron Whitely: “Vice President Harris has been a steadfast partner and an exemplary leader. Her dedication to the American people, her experience, and his vision for the future make her the ideal candidate to build on the progress we’ve achieved. As we move forward, we must unite as a party and as a nation to support her candidacy and continue the work of creating a brighter, more equitable future for all Americans.”
State Representative Anne Allen Westbrook: “I thank President Biden for his lifetimes of service and leadership. And I look forward to continuing the work of the Biden-Harris administration under a new administration led by Vice President Kamala Harris.
State Senator Josh McLaurin: “Team Kamala. Let’s go.”
Democratic members of Georgia's Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus (Representatives Michelle Au, Saira Draper, Marvin Lim, Farooq Mughal, Sam Park, & Long Tran): “A statement from Democratic members of Georgia's Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus on President Biden's announcement, and his endorsement of our first ever Black and #AAPI Vice President, Kamala Devi Harris.”
State Representative Saira Draper: “Madame President. LFG!”