Governor Laura Kelly endorses Kamala Harris

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Governor Laura Kelly announced her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States on Monday.

On Sunday, July 21 President Joe Biden took to social media to announce his withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Race.

"From her time as a prosecutor getting violent criminals off the streets to serving as a U.S. Senator fighting to protect reproductive freedom to traveling across the country delivering for the American people as Vice President, Kamala Harris has always done what's best for American families.

At a time when our country is desperate to restore reproductive rights, strengthen the middle class, safeguard democracy, and bring people together, we need her leadership now more than ever. I'm proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as our country's next President of the United States."

Governor Laura Kelly

27 News spoke to Kansas’ Democratic Party Chair, Jeanna Repass, on the party’s thoughts on the President’s announcement and their feelings regarding the next steps in the race.

“My feelings are both bittersweet," Repass said. "On the one hand, the bitterness comes because we have had a great president, a man who has served this country with honor for 50 years. His deliverables are unapparelled in recent history. So, I’m sad. I’m sad to see someone who spent so much of their lives finally stepping out of the spotlight.”

Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Republican candidate for Congress, issued a statement following Biden’s announcement:

"Regardless of who the Democrats nominate, one thing is certain: Another Democrat would carry on the exact same failed Biden policies that have hurt our country and our people.

When I was your Kansas attorney general, I came to know then-California AG Kamala Harris. And I will just say: We do not want her leading our country.

Our Republican Party is unified behind Trump/Vance 2024. Biden's quitting changes nothing, and we will stay focused on Making America Great Again."

Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt

I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in the momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party - and unite our nation - to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Statement issued by Vice President Kamala Harris

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