Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek endorses Kamala Harris for president

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States, thanking President Joe Biden for his leadership and urging Democrats to unite to defeat Donald Trump.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to become the next President of the United States in an announcement Monday morning.

“I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President,” Gov. Kotek said. “She’s tough, she’s smart and she’s ready to unite the country. Kamala Harris should be our next President.”

The endorsement follows President Joe Biden’s decision to formally step down from the presidential election in November. His announcement came after pressure mounted for him to end his bid for reelection when his cognitive health was called into question during a previous debate against former President Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump poses a clear and present danger to our country and our world,” Gov. Kotek said. “That’s why it’s so important to defeat him in November. Vice President Harris is the right person to lead Democrats to victory in the upcoming election.”

In her endorsement, Gov. Kotek also thanked President Biden for “his decades of leadership and his steadfast dedication to make life better for working families.”

“Joe Biden’s record speaks for itself: Recovering from the pandemic, building a strong economy, making historic investments in the nation’s infrastructure and clean energy, taking action on gun violence, fiercely defending abortion access, and rebuilding America’s influence around the world,” Gov. Kotek said. “The President’s decision not to seek reelection will go down in history as an act of courageous leadership and a demonstration of his love for this country.”

Following President Biden’s announcement on Sunday, City of Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez also released a statement in support of Harris as the next Democratic presidential nominee.

“We need to unite to defeat Donald Trump. The nation cannot endure another four years of divisive, hateful politics that hurt so many and threaten our democracy,” the statement said in part.

The Democratic National Convention will take place Aug. 19 in Chicago.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.