PORTLAND, Ore. — Several lawmakers in the Pacific Northwest have publicly announced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee. That includes Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, who officially endorsed Harris late Monday morning.
President Joe Biden dropped his re-election bid on Sunday and also endorsed Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee. It came after mounting pressure from Democratic allies to step down.
Here’s a look at the Oregon and Washington lawmakers who are backing Harris.
Oregon
Gov. Tina Kotek released a statement late Monday morning, saying, "I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President. She's tough, she's smart and she's ready to unite the country. Kamala Harris should be our next President."
"I know that just in the last 24 hours, because of the wise decision made by President Biden, there's a lot of enthusiasm for Vice President Harris," Kotek added in an interview with KGW. "We're going to rally the troops, we're going to win in November and it's going to be good for our country."
Sen. Ron Wyden expressed his support in a post on X while calling on voters to defeat former President Donald Trump.
"I’m all in to support Vice President Harris to build on that impressive record and defeat Donald Trump – a convicted felon who wants to yank America backward with his checkered and erratic past of right-wing extremism on women’s health care, dirty energy and more," Wyden said.
Sen. Jeff Merkley took to his personal X account, pledged to help her win.
"Kamala Harris shares my mission of taking on the powerful to deliver for the people. She will fight for reproductive rights, American jobs, and security abroad," Merkley said. "She will champion housing, education, healthcare and equal rights. I will do all I can to help her win."
Rep. Val Hoyle also shared her endorsement in a statement, saying, "With President Biden’s decision not to run for re-election, I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee so she can build upon this administration’s incredibly successful record of standing up for unions and working people."
Rep. Andrea Salinas endorsed Harris in a post on her personal X account.
"We must unite behind Kamala Harris as our new Democratic nominee. She is a proven fighter for democracy who has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in November," Salinas said.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici has also endorsed Harris, according to an article published by the New York Times.
Washington
Sen. Maria Cantwell announced her endorsement of Harris in a post on X, saying, "Kamala Harris is a fierce advocate for working-class Americans, for reproductive rights, for investing in our nation and every citizen."
Rep. Pramila Jayapal has also thrown her support to Harris.
"Vice President Kamala Harris just called me and I told her I am 1000% in for her to be our President! She has the smarts, the experience, the accomplishments and the agenda to lead us to victory in November," Jayapal said in a post on X.
Rep. Rick Larsen expressed his support on X as well, saying, "I endorse VP Harris for President!"
Rep. Marilyn Strickland also shared her endorsement on X.
"VP Harris has been his partner, and is the most qualified to succeed him. She has my full endorsement and support," Strickland said.
This is a developing story and it will be updated.
KGW Reporter Tim Gordon contributed to this report.