Colorado lawmakers begin to back Vice President Kamala Harris as the next nominee

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Colorado lawmakers are reacting to President Biden stepping down from the Presidential Race, many supporting the decisions and policies he made in office. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee, something that Colorado politicians are beginning to back.

Senator John Hickenlooper announced his support for Harris on X Sunday night.

"Vice President Harris is already uniting the Democratic Party, just as she will unite America. She has been President Biden’s copilot for these amazing four years and we can’t wait to do everything we can to help her win," Hickenlooper said in an X post.

Bennet quickly stepped up to back the potential nominee as well.

“Vice President Kamala Harris has the experience, record, and integrity to be the next President of the United States. From our time together on the Senate Intelligence Committee to our shared commitment to expanding the Child Tax Credit, I have seen firsthand Vice President Harris’ dedication to our country’s security and our children’s prosperity. She is exactly the candidate we need to beat Donald Trump," Bennet said in an email statement Sunday night.

Congressional District Five candidates River Gassen and Jeff Crank also reacted to Biden's decision this evening.

River Gassen thanked President Biden, highlighting his expansion of the Affordable Care Act, his support of Unions, his foreign policy and his compassion for the American people.

"President Biden understands what is at stake, better than anyone else, with Project 2025, and our very democracy being threatened, and the need for Democratic control of the House, has he run for re-election," Gassen said in a statement. "I want to thank the President for his decision to pass the torch on to the next generation. I have deep love for my country and admiration for his leadership."

Gassen says she wholeheartedly stands behind Harris and believes she will be a great president.

"Despite an all-out effort to hide Joe Biden's failing health, Democrats turned on him when they say they could lose power," Crank said. "Now, the President admits he can't run for re-election but somehow thinks he can run the government. The President must resign immediately, or the cabinet must invoke the 25th amendment for the sake of our country. I look forward to working with Donald Trump to defeat Kamala Harris."

Other politicians remained ambiguous on who they would support to run in Biden's place.

Colorado House Democrat speaker Julie Mckluskie said she believes this statement is what is best for the country, and thanked President Biden for his service in an email statement Sunday.

“I am grateful for President Biden’s many years of service and deep commitment to the American people, and I believe this decision is what’s best for our country. In the last four years, the president has provided stable global leadership while passing bipartisan legislation to invest in our infrastructure, create jobs, and support schools and local governments through the pandemic. Colorado House Democrats are focused on our vision for Colorado and will continue delivering results that build a more affordable state where everyone can thrive.” 

- Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon

House Democrat Majority Leader Monica Duran said she believes it's time to focus on the future and "what's at stake."

“Under President Biden’s leadership, job creation is reaching record highs, and unions and workers have made historic gains. I’m proud of the progress this administration has made to advance gun violence prevention policies and increase services for victims of domestic violence. For Latinos and people of color, this administration has continually tackled the critical issues facing our communities. However, it is time to focus on our future and what’s at stake.” 

- House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge

Senator Michael Bennet added that "we owe President Biden a debt of gratitude" for making the decision, after being one of the first Democrat Senators to ask Biden to step down earlier this month.

“Today, we owe President Biden a debt of gratitude that we may never be able to repay. We may not know what comes next, but by passing the torch to a new standard bearer, President Biden has again given us the chance to beat Donald Trump and give our children the future they deserve. Thank you, President Biden."

- U.S. Senator Michael Bennett

He also applauded Biden's policies and actions in office, including expanding the Child Tax Credit and building national infrastructure, among other things.

On a more hyper-local level, congressional candidate Adam Frisch applauded President Biden's decision to step down.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for our country. I applaud President' Biden’s decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders and am grateful for his years of steadfast public service. Regardless of who the eventual candidates for President are, I will remain laser focused on the issues most important to the hardworking men and women of Western and Southern Colorado. In Congress, I will work to cut inflation, secure the border, and protect the freedom for women to make their own healthcare decisions,"

- Congressional Candidate Adam Frisch

US Representative Brittany Petersen also applauded the decision.

“Joe Biden embodies what it means to be a true patriot who puts the interest of the country and the American people over himself. He has dedicated 50 years fighting to make the lives of regular people better and has led our country through one of the most tumultuous times to the strongest recovery in the world. Joe Biden is a big reason I am here today as a member of Congress and he continues to make me proud with the issues he has championed and the selflessness he has shown. Thank you Joe Biden for all you have done for our country. We are forever grateful."

- U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen

Congressman Jason Crow added that a new Democratic presidential nominee will help the party defeat Republican Nominee Donald Trump come November.

“Joe Biden is one of the most effective and consequential presidents in American history. He has always put our country first. In 2020, President Biden saved us from a second Trump term and by stepping aside he may have done so again," Crow said in an email statement. "As a soldier and now as a Congressman, I have felt an unshakeable duty to protect our democracy, people, and ideals. This moment is no different. Donald Trump is a threat to democracy and would make our country unrecognizable. We must unite and defeat him in November."

- Congressman Jason Crow