Local Democrats are all aboard for Harris nomination

Andrea Campbell: Kamala Harris is the best person to lead our party forward. Seth Daniel photo

Democrats who represent Dorchester and Mattapan were swift to embrace President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race and enthusiastically echo his endorsement of Kamala Harris to step in as the party’s nominee in his place.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell of Mattapan, who was one of Harris’s most vocal supporters in her campaign for the presidency in 2019-2020 and who has remained a close ally, was out quickly with a statement on Sunday afternoon.

“Vice President Harris has my full support for the nomination and my full support for president of the United States,” said Campbell. “I look forward to campaigning for her and other Democrats up and down the ballot this summer and fall. It’s about time we had a female president!”

Campbell noted that Harris was a “friend and inspiration” to her in her own career as a prosecutor and statewide leader. “With her grace, devotion, and dignity, Vice President Harris exemplifies what it means to lead. As a delegate to the [convention] I am proud to pledge my vote to [her] for the Democratic nomination for president.”

US Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a “superdelegate” to the convention in Chicago, was also quick to embrace Harris’s elevation to the top of the ticket. Like many of her colleagues, Pressley began by saluting President Biden, saying she “deeply respects” his decision “to pass the torch,” saying he “has dedicated more than 50 years to the selfless service of our nation, as a senator, vice president, and as the 46th president of the United States.

“I am deeply grateful for his service. The Biden-Harris Administration have been, and remain, genuine, engaged partners who have made real progress on issues facing our communities. In this moment, it is clear that Vice President Kamala Harris is the best person to lead our party and our nation forward, and I am so proud to endorse her as our 47th president of the United States,.”

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who also represents Dorchester in Congress, said: “I am grateful to President Joe Biden for his many years of patriotic service. He has accomplished much during a time of turbulence to strengthen America and to advance the cause of democracy around the world. His noble decision to step aside and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris is probably the clearest example of his selfless commitment to doing what is best for America.”

Mayor Wu, who will be a delegate in Chicago next month, told WBUR on Monday that she will support Harris even if other candidates throw their hat in the ring. “Having that direct understanding of her role in what has already been a very strong partnership between Boston and D.C.,” the mayor said, “That’s where I’m going to end up no matter who else jumps in the race at this point.”

Two other office-holders who will travel to Chicago for the convention – State Rep. Chris Worrell and City Councillor Brian Worrell, who are brothers – issued a joint statement on Sunday evening affirming their support for Harris.

“As an elected delegate and alternate to the Democratic National Convention, we are formally committing our support to Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States,” they said. “Vice President Harris is unmatched in her experience, record of accomplishment, and unwavering commitment to supporting people of color and underserved communities.  In August, we look forward to going to Chicago to cast our votes for Kamala Harris and working each and every day to ensure that she is the next President.”

State Rep. Daniel Hunt, who chairs the Ward 16 Democratic Committee but is not a delegate at this year’s convention, also joined colleagues in supporting the Harris candidacy.

“President Biden (is)one of the most effective presidents, given his history in the Senate, in generations, probably since LBJ in terms of funding for working class people and housing. It probably won’t be seen for another generation. Vice President Harris has served for almost four years in the White House and would be a great president, continuing Biden’s legacy and creating her own.”

Other influential Dorchester Democrats were also enthusiastic about Harris, even if they have misgivings about the timing and nature of the ticket change.

Joyce Linehan, former chait of the Ward 17 Democrats and a key advisor to leaders like Marty Walsh and Elizabeth Warren, called Biden the “most positively effective president of my lifetime, bar none. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I am angry about the political backstabbing, the media creating instead of reporting news, and wealthy donors who think they should have more say than regular people,” she said.

“That said, Vice President Harris is a great candidate, and I will be happy to work to get her elected. It is always nice to have something to vote for, rather than just against. I implore everyone to get involved in reaching out to the very small number of voters in six or seven states who will decide this election. There is a lot at stake.”

According to Mass Dems, state delegates met virtually Monday evening and “voted overwhelmingly” to support a motion by Gov. Healey “that the Massachusetts delegates speak with one voice and endorse Kamala Harris for president of the United States.” 

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