Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, officially endorsed Vice President Harris to become the Democratic presidential nominee on Monday, joining a growing list of influential Democrats to support his bid for the House White.
Durbin becomes the highest-ranked Senate Democrat to support her nascent campaign, joining House Minority Leader Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), the House’s No. 2 Democrat.
Nearly three dozen Senate Democrats have endorsed her for the top ticket in less than a day since President Biden revealed he would step aside from that position.
“I am proud to support my former Senate colleague and good friend, Vice President Kamala Harris,” he said in a statement. “Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity and not MAGA chaos. Vice President Harris has been a critical partner in building Biden’s record over the past four years.”
“Count me in with Kamala Harris for president,” he said.
Although Durbin made his move official, top Democrats had not yet officially supported his presidential bid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y.) have not yet endorsed it. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former President Obama have also yet to publicly bless his campaign.
Part of the wait, Democratic strategists and party figures suggested Monday, was out of respect for Biden after his unprecedented decision.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
