Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., as his running mate early Tuesday evening. Harris will be the first ever African-American and first South Asian-American woman vice presidential nominee for a major party.
The last time Harris and Biden were seen together was in Detroit, Mich., the night before the Michigan primary. She introduced him at a rally at Renaissance High School.
Notably, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was also on stage that night. For months, Whitmer’s name had remained on the short list for Biden’s vice presidential nomination. Whitmer was reported to have met with Biden in person this week, which many interpreted as a sign that she had moved to the top of his list.
Despite being passed up for the nomination, Whitmer expressed support for Biden’s selection of Harris.
Other prominent Michigan Democrats are also proclaiming their support for Biden’s selection.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., released a statement stating her excitement to campaign in Michigan for the Biden/Harris ticket this fall.
“This is the team that will win America in November, in the most important election of our lives,” Dingell said. “I look forward to turning out the 12th district and all of Michigan for Vice President Biden and Senator Harris in November, to protect our country and democracy.”
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who worked with Harris on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, issued a statement to The Daily, calling the nomination a “historic moment.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Kamala Harris for years, and know firsthand her commitment to fighting for the people of this country,” Peters wrote. “This is a historic moment and I’m proud to support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as they work to unite our country and build a more prosperous future for all Americans.”
Peters, who is up for re-election this year, embraced the announcement in a campaign pitch on Twitter.
“I’m proud to share the ballot with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris this November,” Peters wrote. “To flip the White House and the Senate, we have to win in Michigan.”
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who works with Harris on the Senate Committee on the Budget, also voiced support for the selection on Twitter.
“Working side by side with her in the Senate, I see her competence, compassion & ability to get things done,” Stabenow tweeted from her personal account. “She’ll hit the ground running and is ready to lead on day one.”
Lavora Barnes, Michigan Democratic Party chair, also released a statement supporting the announcement.
“Senator Harris has been a fearless leader who has always stood on the side of working families in our country,” Barnes said. “I look forward to continuing to partner with the Biden campaign to defeat Trump and make history on November 3rd as we elect the first Black woman as vice president of our country.”
Daily Staff Reporter John Grieve can be reached at jgrieve@umich.edu.