Top Hawaii Democratic lawmakers commend Biden, announce support for Harris

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii’s governor along with the majority of its congressional delegation commended President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election bid and supported Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee.
“As the only person to have defeated Donald Trump, President Biden understands as well as anybody how high the stakes are this November, and I respect his decision to pass the baton,” U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said in a statement.
Hirono also threw her support behind Harris, saying that she looks forward to “doing everything in my power to get her elected to the White House.”
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, thanked Biden for a “lifetime of service.”
“Today, yet again, he has put the country before himself, making the best choice for the American people in this uniquely consequential moment,” Schatz said, in a statement.
Schatz released another statement endorsing Harris for President, expressing his confidence in her ability to defeat Donald Trump: “She has shown that she is more than ready to lead on the toughest domestic and foreign policy issues and to deliver for the American people.”
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, serving Hawaii’s Second Congressional District, called President Biden “a true friend to Hawaii” after his visit to Maui. She said she will never forget when he came to Maui following the devastating fires that destroyed Lahaina.
“He held their hands, he listened, and he gave hope. Last week, when I spoke with him, he asked again about Maui. He has always been there for us,” Tokuda said. Tokuda also endorsed Harris, saying, “She is one of us, she hears us, and she will empower us.”
“President Biden’s remarkable leadership and dedication to our country throughout his time in office are indisputable,” stated Derek Turbin, Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
Since the president’s rocky debate performance last month, Gov. Josh Green has been one of the president’s most vocal supporters. He had been helping to organize a fundraiser for Biden later this month in Martha’s Vineyard.
In a statement to HNN, Green said Biden “deserves our utmost respect for leading our country with such dignity. He has been kind and supportive of Hawaii and we should honor his legacy by defeating Mr. Trump in the fall. On behalf of the state of Hawaii, especially the residents of Maui, I express our forever-gratitude to President Biden for granting wildfire disaster relief within an unprecedented six hours of our making the request in a time of our people’s deepest need.”
Green said that he learned about Biden’s decision to step aside at the same time everyone else did and endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee.
“It’s not my place to tell people who to vote for but please look deeply into the heart of the candidates because you have to look to someone who cares about it and that’s why its easy for me to support President Biden and Vice President Harris,” Green added.
The governor said he still plans to hold the fundraiser at the end of the month, this time to support Harris for president.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said that President Biden’s decision to step aside is a “testament to his unwavering commitment to our nation’s democratic principles. Let us honor his patriotic decision by continuing to work together for the betterment of our country.”
Hawaii Republication Party Chair Tamara McKay said politics aside, she’s glad Democrats are going with someone else.
“You cringe every time he speaks… Is he going to say the wrong thing? Is he going to walk in the wrong direction? I just think it’s irresponsible and very sad to continue to put a man in that position,” McKay said.
The Hawaii Republication Party released the following statement following Biden’s decision:
“The Hawaii Republican Party commends President Joe Biden for his decision to withdraw from the race for a second term, recognizing that it is in the best interest of the country and his own well-being. Under President Biden’s leadership, our nation has faced significant challenges and hardships, making it clear that a change in leadership is necessary for the betterment of all Americans.”
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke thanked President Biden for several things, including his “historic, once-in-a-generation investment in bringing high-speed internet to every part of our nation.”
She extends aloha and support to Kamala Harris as well in her statement: “During the Lahaina fires last year, it meant so much that Vice President Harris personally reached out and offered her support to the people of Hawaii during one of our darkest hours.”
Meanwhile, the lone Hawaii congressional delegate not outright endorsing the vice president is Congressman Ed Case. In a statement on Sunday, he said in part that he ”will discuss with constituents and colleagues the best way forward on a Democratic nominee.”
Voters across the country are now left to reconsider who they’ll support in November’s election. Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office.
This story will be updated.
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