DENVER (KDVR) — After President Joe Biden announced his intent to not accept the Democratic party nomination for president and instead drop out of the race, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
On Sunday, several Colorado politicians weighed in on the new Democratic hopeful, including Gov. Jared Polis.
Polis appeared on CNN Sunday afternoon, where he endorsed Harris. He had appeared on CNN on Sunday morning as well, warning the Democratic party that a change was needed in order to win the presidential election.
“I think this is the change that we need,” Polis said. “I think this is a forward-looking opportunity to talk about the future of our country. We now have a great way to contrast between people who want to turn the door on the politics of the past.”
He also clarified that he is endorsing Harris, and noted that she recently visited Colorado.
“She’s smart, she’s on top of it, she has a forward-looking vision to save people money, she’s put prisoners and criminals behind bars, and she’s ready to lead the country,” Polis told CNN.
He also addressed rumors that he could throw his hat into the presidential ring and said he’s backing Harris this time around, but did not say if he would not run in the future.
“I personally am backing Kamala Harris,” Polis said.
The governor also posted to X, saying he was “thrilled” to endorse Harris, and also including a coconut, palm tree and American Flag emoji, a reference to a quote Harris said last year that’s become a social media meme and ironic Democrat slogan.
A slew of other Colorado politicians also endorsed Harris. Here’s what they had to say.
Congressman Joe Neguse, Colorado’s 2nd District
“Vice-President Kamala Harris is a dedicated public servant and trailblazer who has delivered real progress for the people of our country,” Neguse posted on X.
He also issued a fundraising email wherein he supported Harris.
“Vice President Kamala Harris is a dedicated public servant and trailblazer who has delivered real progress for the people of our country. Today, I couldn’t be more excited to endorse and support her campaign for President of the United States.
“I’m going to do everything I can to elect Kamala in November and help Democrats take back the House. It’s going to take all of us working together to win, and the stakes could not be higher,” Neguse wrote, before launching into the fundraising portion of the email.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold
“I am proud to support Kamala Harris, a tremendous leader who is ready to serve this country as the next President of the United States.”
Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, Colorado’s 7th District
Pettersen applauded President Joe Biden for his leadership, service and “record of accomplishment,” before pivoting to her endorsement of Harris — and a fundraising plea.
“I’m proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. I’m ready to do everything within my power to ensure that she defeats Donald Trump at the ballot box — and I’m asking you to join me.
“This is the time for all of us to come together to ensure Democrats keep the White House, keep the Senate, and flip the House blue,” Pettersen said in her email.
Congressman Jason Crow, Colorado’s 6th District
“Vice President Kamala Harris has my full support to lead our country and party forward. She will bring a new generation of leadership and unite the country as we strive towards our higher ideals.
“I call on Americans from every background and corner of our nation to join me in fighting to elect Kamala Harris as our next president.”
Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Colorado’s 1st District
“President Biden has been an extraordinary public servant for the past 50 years, including leading one of the most consequential presidencies of our lifetime,” DeGette wrote on X. “I thank him for his incredible service to the nation and his many years of support as we worked together on issues ranging from stem cell research to improving clean energy.
“With his decision today to not seek re-election, I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President. She is a proven Pro-choice champion who will fight for reproductive rights. I have worked closely with her to restore Americans’ freedom to access the abortion care that Trump’s Supreme Court stripped away.
“I look forward to working with VP Harris to restore the House to Democratic control & keep the Senate & White House so that, together, we can defeat Trump’s extreme Project 2025 agenda, continue the Biden-Harris legacy, & enact national legislation to restore abortion rights.”
This is a developing story. As more information becomes available, this story will be updated.
