New Jersey lawmakers reflect on Joe Biden's decision and what Kamala Harris means to Democratic Party


Published: 5 months ago

Reading time: 3 minutes

New Jersey lawmakers on both sides of the aisle react to Joe Biden's decision to quit the presidential race.

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey's top Democrats and Republicans are responding to President Joe Biden's decision to exit the presidential race. New Jersey is significant because it is home to many wealthy donors. CBS New York's Christine Sloan had the opportunity to speak with political leaders from both parties on Sunday evening.

"I am thrilled that he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris," said LeRoy Jones, chairman of the New Jersey Democratic Party and a superdelegate. Jones believes Harris will vigorously campaign for the nomination. "She won't take anything for granted. She will reach out to every delegate across the country, especially here in New Jersey," Jones added.

Jones expressed his preference for Sen. Cory Booker as Harris' running mate. Booker praised Biden on Twitter, now X, saying that Biden has "chosen to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders."

Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat who supports Harris, described Biden's presidency as one of the most "successful and impactful" in American history. According to a source familiar with the discussions, Murphy's name has been mentioned as a potential VP candidate.

Differing Views on the State of the Democratic Party:

Jon Bramnick, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, believes that Harris' status as the de facto nominee may not guarantee her the nomination. "Simply put, swing states are crucial this year, so I'm sure they'll be looking at those states," Bramnick commented. Although Bramnick does not support Trump, he believes the Democrats are in trouble. "It shows that the Democratic Party is in disarray and that the left wing of the party is pulling it far to the left. We have become the party of the working class," he stated.

Jack Ciattarelli, another Republican gubernatorial candidate, said, "One thing that won't change is the Democratic Party being wrong on the issues and becoming more and more out of touch."

Congressman Andy Kim, who won the Democratic primary for New Jersey's U.S. Senate seat, believes the party is energized. "I believe Vice President Kamala Harris is the right person to step up. She has been on the ballot and served as vice president for almost four years," Kim said. "For the country's sake, I am deeply concerned about what a second term for President Trump could bring."

Curtis Bashaw, the Republican challenger to Kim in November, issued a statement saying, "Over the past several months, President Biden's fitness to lead America has raised serious concerns, and rightly so. I respect his decision not to seek re-election." However, he added, "Vice President Kamala Harris is not the change our country desperately needs. Instead, she represents a continuation of the failed policies that have characterized the Biden-Harris administration, including lawless open borders, soaring inflation, and a weak economy."

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, one of the first to call for Biden to step aside, praised Harris for breaking barriers "while improving public safety, protecting abortion rights, and defending our democracy." Sherrill added, "Vice President Harris understands the stakes of this election, and as a former prosecutor, she is uniquely qualified to make the case against Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and their extremist Project 2025."


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New Jersey Joe Biden Kamala Harris Democratic Party Andy Kim Cory Booker Phil Murphy