Nevada Democrats rally behind Kamala Harris, praise Biden as ‘a dedicated public servant’

From the federal to the local level, Nevada public officials voiced an outpouring of support over President Biden’s decision to end his re-election bid, as well as excitement over his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be this year’s Democratic nominee. 

Las Vegas will forever be remembered where President Joe Biden made his final campaign stop as a presidential candidate. 

After a two-day stint in Southern Nevada last week, Biden, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday — sending the president back to his home in Rehoboth, Del. On Sunday, the 81-year-old Biden announced he was ending his reelection bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic presidential nominee for the November election. 

During his trip last week, Biden spoke at the NAACP’s national convention in North Las Vegas, and was later received by Nevada Democratic US Rep. Steven Horsford for lunch at a market in the city’s oldest predominantly-Black neighborhood.

Reflecting on it now, Horsford told reporters Sunday that moment is one he’ll remember forever. 

“It had to have been a very difficult decision for him to make,” Horsford said. “I was just with him in my district on Tuesday, so I know he was committed to seeing this through.”

MORE: Kamala Harris has a lot to tun on. Here’s what to watch for. 

From legislation that expanded background checks for firearms purchases to historic investments in manufacturing and renewable energy, Biden’s tenure has been the “most consequential” of any president to this point in Horsford’s life, the congressman said. 

And now, Horsford added, it’s time for Democrats to have Biden’s back, so they can beat former President Donald Trump and cement Biden’s legacy. 

“What [Biden] has been able to do to help restore the soul of our nation, and the decision that he made today to put the country and our ability to defeat Donald Trump at the forefront really says a lot about who he is, his character, his integrity, and why we’re going to win this November,” Horsford said. 

Horsford was one of the many Democratic elected officials from Nevada who applauded Biden for his decades in public service, and who also expressed optimism for Harris’ prospects in November. 

Here’s what they had to say: 

Nevada Democratic US Rep. Dina Titus 

“It is time for Democrats to unite behind @KamalaHarris as our nominee. She is a proven fighter for women’s reproductive freedoms and protecting democracy. I look forward to helping her stop Donald Trump and Project 2025 this November.” 

Nevada Democratic US Rep. Susie Lee

“President Biden, during his storied and effective career, has put our country first. Today, he demonstrated immense patriotism and selfless leadership. 

“I have had the honor of helping President Biden secure his standing as one of the most impactful and bipartisan presidents of our lifetime — a legacy which includes securing once-in-a-century infrastructure investments, bringing back American jobs, passing historic climate change and bipartisan gun safety legislation, expanding veterans’ healthcare, and taking on big drug companies to lower costs for seniors and working families.

“I cannot thank President Biden enough for saving America’s democracy in 2020 and paving the way for a new era of leadership. I look forward to supporting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket so we can once again defeat Donald Trump and far-right extremism.” 

Nevada Democratic US Rep. Steven Horsford

“From creating millions of jobs to tackling gun safety, President Joe Biden has been an outstanding and important lifelong public servant. I’m proud of all we’ve done together. Thank you for your patriotic leadership and enduring service, President Biden.” 

Nevada Democratic US Sen. Jacky Rosen

“President Biden has served our country in public office with dignity and integrity for decades. Under his experienced leadership in the White House and with a Democratic Senate majority, we passed major bipartisan laws to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, expand health care for veterans, and keep our communities safer from gun violence. We took on powerful special interests to make historic progress on lowering prescription drug costs and fighting the climate crisis. It is a remarkable legacy of accomplishment, and I thank President Biden for his leadership and respect his decision not to seek reelection.

“There is still a lot more work to do on behalf of Nevadans to lower costs, create more opportunity, and defend our fundamental freedoms. This November, there will remain a clear choice for voters between a party focused on restoring reproductive rights, standing up for democracy, and fighting for the middle class, and the far-right MAGA extremists like my opponent who want to ban abortion, eliminate entire federal agencies like the Department of Education, and cut Social Security and Medicare to pay for more tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations.

“As we move forward, I am focused on my job working for Nevada and continuing my record as one of the most bipartisan, independent, and effective Senators. I will keep working with both parties to deliver for our state and standing up to anyone to put Nevada first.”

Nevada Democratic US Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

“I’m grateful for President Biden’s lifetime of service and contributions to our nation. Time and time again, he has delivered for hardworking Nevadans. I respect his deeply personal and courageous decision and look forward to working with him as he finishes his historic term.” 

Nevada State Democratic Party Chairwoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno

“President Joe Biden has been the most successful president of our lifetimes. From passing the American Rescue Plan, Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that ignited the fastest economic recovery in American history, created thousands of jobs for Nevadans, and capped prescription drug prices for our seniors to signing the most historic climate action legislation and the first common sense gun safety package in 30 years aimed at keeping our communities safe for generations to come. President Biden has been an ardent defender of our fundamental freedoms including by signing the Respect for Marriage Act, fighting to secure voting rights, and fighting like hell to protect reproductive freedom. President Biden has given his entire life to service, he has been a transformational president, and Nevada Democrats thank him for his service to our state and this nation.

“President Biden is absolutely right that Kamala Harris has been a phenomenal choice to serve as his Vice President. Her commitment to expanding health care coverage for thousands of Nevadans, lowering costs, and keeping our communities safe has helped grow Nevada’s economy, create good-paying union jobs, and protect our fundamental rights.” 

Nevada Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford

“Both profoundly saddened and proud this morning. @POTUS @JoeBiden is a patriot who puts country over self, and I’m so very grateful for his service. May God bless him. And may God bless our country. 

Let’s go!! #TeamKamala!”

Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas)

“Here is to a dedicated public servant who gave most of his adult life in service to this great country. Thank you for restoring the soul of our nation, @JoeBiden.”  

Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola (D-Las Vegas)

“Thank you President @JoeBiden for putting country first, again. Excited to continue the fight for freedom, and democracy. Now let’s go win this!”

State Sen. Pat Spearman (D-North Las Vegas)

“President Joe Biden has been an incredible ally and advocate for our nation. From his extensive legislative work to his incomparable, history-making record, President Biden has been an amazing leader. Thank you, President Biden, for taking such great care of our nation.”

State Sen. Fabian Donate (D-Las Vegas)

“President Biden has led our country honorably, we are lucky to have him during this moment in our nation’s history. 

It’s time for Democrats to come together and support @KamalaHarris to be the our next leader, we cannot let Donald Trump return to the White House! #VamosNevada”

Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom

“i’m with Kamala!   An increasing share of swing-state voters — 48% — say they trust Harris as president if Biden were no longer able to serve, according to the latest Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll”

Democratic Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy II

“Pres. @JoeBiden has dedicated his life to public service. There is no better way to honor his legacy of service and as president than to continue the fight for democracy and to turn out like never before this November.”