PA lawmakers praise Joe Biden as a “patriot,” coalesce around Kamala Harris to take on Trump

President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election has sparked an outpouring of support from Pennsylvania Democrats. 

President Joe Biden, a native son of Pennsylvania, has ended his campaign for reelection this fall, and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump.

Leaders from across the commonwealth are praising Biden’s record as a US Senator from Delaware to Vice President and President and are coalescing in their support for Harris. 

“President Biden has always dedicated himself to improving the lives of Americans,” US Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) said in a statement. 

“He deserves our gratitude for his historic achievements, including rebuilding our economy after the pandemic and delivering the largest infrastructure investment in modern history. He has had an exemplary career in public service. He is a patriot who has always put our country first.” 

Gov. Josh Shapiro offered the same praises towards Biden, calling him “a patriot who has served our country honorably” and “one of the most consequential presidents in modern history.” 

“President Biden has gotten an incredible amount done to move our country forward, defend our democracy and protect real freedom,” Shapiro posted on X.

“I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania – the commonwealth that raised him.” 

Shapiro, who is seriously being considered for Vice President, released a second statement through his campaign recount endorsing Harris to be the next president.

“I’ve known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades – we’ve both been prosecutors, we’ve both stood up for the rule of law, we’ve both fought for the people and delivered results” Shapiro said.

“Kamala Harris is a patriot worth of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom.”

Eugene DePasquale, the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania Attorney General, told The Keystone in an interview that Biden’s decision to step down will change the campaign overnight. 

“I believe [Biden] put the country before himself, which is not done that often,” DePasquale said. 

“I think almost everyone liked Joe Biden, and the party there was adoration for him, but most people would come to grips with, he was not in a position to run for reelection.”

DePasquale told The Keystone that he is open-minded to an open convention but he believes it will be difficult to defeat the Vice President. 

“I think an open fight could make her an even better candidate, but I do think the odds are greatly in her favor being the nominee.”

Update: This story has been updated to include Shapiro’s endorsement of Harris.