WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Florida Leaders Applaud Joe Biden’s Selection of Kamala Harris as Running Mate
Today, Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate. Leaders from across Florida applauded the selection:
"Senator Kamala Harris is ambitious, smart, and someone every little girl and boy can look up to,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. “With her on the ticket our party, and our nation, is stronger. She will help lead Democrats to a victory in Florida, help win back the White House, and will help restore America's moral compass."
“For a little girl who grew up poor, Black and female in the South to be considered during this process has been an incredible honor,” said Congresswoman Val Demings. “I feel so blessed. To see a Black woman nominated for the first time reaffirms my faith that in America, there is a place for every person to succeed no matter who they are or where they come from. In this time of crises, we deserve leadership that will not only put America back on track, but build back better. The Biden/Harris ticket promises to restore America’s faith that we can defeat COVID-19, save our crippled economy, restore honor and integrity to the White House, protect the rights, liberty, and safety of the American people, and expand access to health care and opportunity for all. I will continue to work to make the American Dream an attainable reality for every person in our country, and continue the struggle for a more perfect union. To that end, I am excited to do everything in my power to ensure that on January 20th, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States.”
"I am thrilled that Joe Biden has selected Senator Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for Vice President of the United States,” said Congresswoman Kathy Castor. “Senator Harris will do an excellent job helping Vice President Biden and Democrats build back better from the chaos and pain Trump has inflicted on our great nation. The strength of our country is in its diversity and the values we hold in common. Kamala Harris represents these values and understands the critical tasks ahead to control COVID-19 and tackle the climate crisis. She has been a leader in highlighting the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color - and introduced legislation to address these disparities. She has successfully led on environmental justice and gone after dirty corporations for damaging our environment. With this historic selection of the first Black and South Asian American woman on the ticket, the 2020 Democratic National Convention in 6 days will unify America behind Joe Biden and Kamala Harris so that we can begin to build a more just, democratic, kinder and stronger country. I have hope for the future of America!"
“This is a truly historic ticket. I applaud Joe Biden for picking such an exceptional running mate,” said Congressman Alcee Hastings. “Senator Harris is a trailblazer and a fighter for all Americans. Seeing a member of the Divine 9 rise to be the Vice Presidential nominee makes me filled with both pride and confidence, because I know she has what it takes to go up against Donald Trump. Times are tough right now and we need proven leadership and the ability to get things done. That is exactly what Senator Harris offers.”
"I'm thrilled that Sen. Kamala Harris will join Joe Biden on the ticket as his choice for Vice President,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “Only in America would it be possible for a first-generation American woman like Kamala Harris, who has been a tenacious advocate for working families, a voice for the voiceless, and a fierce fighter for justice, to reach the pinnacle of national leadership. This is a historic choice amidst many well-qualified choices on Biden’s short list, including Florida’s very own Val Demings. On behalf of my constituents, I am very eager for Sen. Harris, someone I proudly call a friend, to show Americans what two competent, smart and qualified presidential candidates look like on one ticket. Amid the historic social unrest, pandemic and economic crisis this nation faces, this is the sharp, honest and steady leadership team that America needs right now."
“At a moment when Americans are losing their lives and livelihoods to a global pandemic, and are fighting for racial justice and equality, we need a strong Presidential ticket that can lead Democrats to victory this November,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. “Kamala is passionate, progressive, and as Joe Biden’s pick for vice president, I know she will help build the coalition we need to get him to the White House this fall. It was also inspiring yet unsurprising to see so many bright, capable and accomplished women getting the attention and admiration they deserve. Kamala’s impact as the first female Vice President will be a historic achievement not because she will be the first, but because she will be exceptional. Joe is an empathetic and impassioned leader and he has chosen a running mate that will energize his ticket and strengthen our country.”
“Vice President Biden’s selection of Sen. Kamala Harris speaks directly to the moment where we stand in our country,” said Congressman Al Lawson. “We are a diverse nation, and that should be reflected in our leadership. Sen. Harris is a trailblazer who has already broken many barriers throughout her career. Her proven leadership is what America needs as we work to Build Back Better and unify our nation. The Biden-Harris ticket is historic, and I am excited to support them.”
"I couldn’t be more pleased by Vice President Biden’s announcement of Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “The public service career of Senator Harris speaks for itself. As the former Attorney General of California, as well as an effective member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I know that Senator Harris will be a great partner for Joe Biden in the White House. I am looking forward to doing everything I can to ensure that St. Petersburg, and Florida, vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in November.”
“Senator Kamala Harris is eminently qualified and ready to lead on day one,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James. “Whether as Attorney General of California or a leading United States Senator, Kamala Harris has proven to the American people that she will always fight for them. Floridians know they can count on Senator Harris and Joe Biden to fight for our shared priorities. The Biden-Harris ticket will restore the soul of America and get our economy back on track. Voters in Palm Beach County will help flip Florida blue and put Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the White House in November.”
“Voters in the I-4 corridor want competent leadership,” said former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “They want someone in the White House who will focus on jobs, healthcare, and getting this virus under control -- Kamala Harris and Joe Biden will do that. Floridians want to get their lives back to normal and they know Donald Trump will just bring more chaos into their lives. Kamala Harris is exactly the right choice -- smart, experienced, and reliable. A Biden-Harris ticket will appeal to the broadest possible coalition we need to win and send Donald Trump packing in November.”
“I could not be more excited to support the Biden-Harris ticket,” said State Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson. “Senator Harris has proven time and again that she is ready to lead -- as Attorney General of California, a United States Senator, or out on the campaign trail this past year. Kamala Harris and Joe Biden will deliver on the issues that matter to voters in Duval County: lowering the cost of healthcare, getting COVID under control, and working to ensure racial justice in America. We’re in a battle for the soul of America and together the Biden-Harris ticket will restore decency to the White House.”
"I believe Joe Biden made the right choice,” said State Senator Bobby Powell. “Kamala Harris is the strongest candidate to take the fight to Donald Trump. She has the experience voters want to see and she's ready to lead on day one. Kamala Harris will inspire voters in our community and help build the coalition we need to unite Floridians and win. Palm Beach County is ready to restore dignity and compassion to the White House."
“Joe Biden made exactly the right decision by choosing Senator Harris as his running mate,” said State Senator Perry Thurston. “Kamala Harris will not only make history as the first Black Vice President when she is sworn in alongside Joe Biden, she will be a relentless fighter for all Floridians. This is a powerful moment for our entire state. I know that Broward will be turning out strong to send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House.”
“Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party and Joe Biden’s decision to choose Kamala Harris as his running mate shows that not only will this ticket make history in November, but they will continue to fight for the issues that matter to the Black community and all Americans,” said State Representative Bruce Antone. “Black families and small businesses have been hit hard by the current public health crisis and economic emergency -- Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will bring the kind of leadership we desperately need to rescue our economy and get pandemic under control. I could not be more excited to send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House this November.”
“Today will be a day America will never forget, particularly millions of young Black girls who see themselves in the Biden-Harris ticket,” said State Representative Fentrice Driskell. “Senator Kamala Harris has been a trailblazer and powerful advocate for the people her entire life. Together, she and Joe Biden will fight for Florida families and prioritize the issues we care about: lowering the cost of health care, bringing jobs back to the economy, and getting this pandemic under control. Right now we need real leadership and that’s why Florida will vote to send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House.”
“Nothing is more important than beating Donald Trump this November and Kamala Harris is the fighter we need by Joe Biden’s side to win,” said State Representative Geraldine Thompson. “The Biden-Harris ticket will inspire and energize voters here in Central Florida. There is no doubt in my mind that Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have what it takes to restore the soul of our nation and get this country back on track.”
“What a historic moment - and meaningful moment for this election cycle, our country and for black women,” said State Representative Kamia Brown. “With the abuse our country has been facing, this choice shows that Joe Biden is ready to unify us all and lead. She’s a strong, sharp woman EVERY woman can identify with and see themselves in. That’s why I am so excited and honored to support this ticket.”
“Floridians know that they will have a fighter in Kamala Harris -- and I could not be more excited to elect her and Joe Biden in November,” said State Representative Dianne Hart. “Here in Hillsborough County, we are ready to bring decency and competence back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We are tired of Donald Trump’s continued failure: his failure to respond to COVID, his failure to keep our economy. No more nonsense -- it’s time to send leaders we can trust to the White House.”
“I cannot think of a leader more qualified and prepared to lead alongside Joe Biden than Senator Kamala Harris,” said Alachua County DEC Chair and former State Representative Cynthia Chestnut. “As the proud graduate of an HBCU and fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister, I know that Senator Harris will be a powerful advocate for the Black community and Black women in particular. Kamala Harris is tough as nails and -- together -- she and Joe Biden are going to bring jobs and sanity back to America. Florida is ready and excited to elect the Biden-Harris ticket.”
“Kamala Harris being selected as Joe Biden’s running mate is groundbreaking,” said State Representative Delores Hogan Johnson. “Women of color, in fact, all women everywhere will see themselves in Kamala Harris and that is powerful. More than that, voters here can count on Senator Harris to fight for our community. She will work alongside Joe Biden to make healthcare more affordable, protect Social Security, bring jobs back to Florida, and fight for true criminal justice reform. I will be doing everything in my power to make history and help send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House.”
“Kamala Harris will bring the kind of spirit and energy to the Democratic ticket that we need to win this November,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch. “Senator Harris has shown exactly the kind of grit we need to defeat Donald Trump. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will build a coalition that can win here in Pinellas -- they will fight for seniors, they will rebuild our economy, protect our environment, they will respect the guidance of health care officials and act to contain this virus. It’s time for real leadership in the White House.”
“Joe Biden’s decision to choose Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate is nothing short of historic,” said former State Senator Arthenia Joyner. “As someone who has dedicated my life to breaking barriers, it is inspiring and powerful to see Senator Harris join the 2020 Democratic ticket. Senator Harris is tough, experienced, and ready to lead on day one with Joe Biden. I know that Florida is ready to make history, not only by electing our first black woman as Vice President, but by coming together to break the stranglehold of divisiveness and discord that has gripped this nation for the past four years.”
Former Senator Bill Nelson
https://twitter.com/SenBillNelson/status/1293291646679953408
Congressman Ted Deutch
https://twitter.com/TedDeutch/status/1293293146957389827?s=20:
Congressman Darren Soto
https://twitter.com/DarrenSoto/status/1293287973006581767:
Congressman Charlie Crist
https://twitter.com/CharlieCrist/status/1293295152832937986 :
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson
https://twitter.com/FSWInTheHouse/status/1293284737050710030
Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
https://twitter.com/DebbieforFL/status/1293292633557741568
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy
https://twitter.com/smurphycongress/status/1293306826763763715?s=21 :
Congresswoman Donna Shalala
https://twitter.com/DonnaShalala/status/1293316297711849473
State Senator Annette Taddeo
https://twitter.com/Annette_Taddeo/status/1293302088949211136
State Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez
https://twitter.com/JoseJavierJJR/status/1293299206615191554
State Senator Lauren Book
https://twitter.com/Book4Senate/status/1293289693568741377
State Representative Shevrin Jones
https://twitter.com/ShevrinJones/status/1293282784908369922
State Representative Carlos Smith
https://twitter.com/CarlosGSmith/status/129328374087409254
State Representative Adam Hattersley
https://twitter.com/HattersleyforFL/status/1293290183924875265
