President Joe Biden has been an extraordinary leader. For decades, he has put the needs of America over his own personal agenda, and today’s decision is another demonstration of that. I have no doubt that history will treat him as one of America’s greatest and most effective Presidents.

We should all take a moment to reflect on his many accomplishments. He led the nation’s recovery from the pandemic, strengthened the American economy and created historic job growth, provided much needed stability and leadership to our global alliances, and produced historic gains in the fight to limit climate change. And especially close to my heart, we worked together to provide critically needed care to millions of veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.

Now, President Biden has provided an historic demonstration of selfless leadership, and created an exciting opportunity to energize the American people and build on his many accomplishments.

Moving forward, our top priorities must be to protect democracy and ensure opportunity for all Americans. I am excited and proud that our party has so many qualified leaders who can help ensure that. Any one of them would be a dramatic improvement over the autocratic convicted felon nominated by the Republican party.

Unlike Donald Trump, our nominee will be committed to personal freedom, equal opportunity, and equal rights for all. Unlike Donald Trump, our nominee will put the needs of working families over their own personal greed. Unlike Donald Trump, our nominee will not offer to sell out our children’s future in exchange for a billion dollars in contributions from big oil companies. Unlike Donald Trump, our nominee will pledge to respect the will of the voters.

While we will need a few days to develop a process that ensures a fair outcome representing the will of the majority of Democratic voters, I intend to support Vice President Kamala Harris. As Attorney General, US Senator, and Vice President, she has shown her commitment to all of these principles. And, through her partnership with President Biden, she has developed experience and knowledge unmatched by any other potential candidate. I stand with Kamala Harris and will do everything I can to help her make history, put people over politics, and protect the American Dream.

— Dr. Raul Ruiz