Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, on Sunday welcomed President Joseph R. Biden’s announcement in not seeking re-election and endorsing Caribbean-American Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate.

“President Joe Biden has steadfastly served as an exemplary public servant for the betterment of our country for over five decades,” Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, told Caribbean Life. “As our president, Biden has greatly advanced our nation forward; achieving immense progress uplifting all Americans through his historic accomplishments and astute leadership.”

She said the Brooklyn Democratic Party respects Biden’s “selfless decision” to drop out of the Presidential Election as the party focuses on defeating ex-President Donald J. Trump, and securing a Democratic-controlled US Congress and Senate.

“The Brooklyn Democratic Party wholeheartedly echoes Biden’s endorsement of Harris as our next president, and we’re confident she’ll be an extraordinary partner to keep building on our strongest economy in decades, defending democracy, and improving our quality-of-life—from combating gun violence, to advancing women’s rights, to myriad more pressing issues facing Americans,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.

“Vice President Kamala Harris is a fierce fighter with a proven progressive track record, deep experience in the Oval Office, and the determined drive to defeat Trump at the ballot box,” she added. “As not only the first female, but also the first Black and first South Asian American VP, Harris will continue to break boundaries and build a better nation leading the White House.

“As our first Party Chair who is a woman of color, an elected official, and a Democratic Presidential Delegate, Kamala has my vote for a fairer and stronger future, as she continues to ensure the promises of our country for all people,” continued Bichotte Hermelyn about Harris, whose father is retired Jamaican-born economist Dr. Donald Harris.

Without indicating whether he will endorse Harris as the Democratic Party presidential nominee, Democratic Party Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose 8th Congressional District in Brooklyn and Queens comprises a large concentration of Caribbean immigrants, on Sunday lauded Biden as “one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history.

“In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief,” said Jeffries, the House of Representatives Minority Leader.

“America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity,” he added. “We are forever grateful.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the second Black mayor after the late David N. Dinkins to be mayor of the city, also said on Sunday that America “owes a debt of gratitude to President Joe Biden for his decades of service.

“He and his team took us out of COVID, stabilized the country, and restored the soul of the nation,” Adams said. “President Biden is now again delivering for the American people by passing the torch at a critical moment, when the country needs strong leadership from a new generation.

“From here, the Democratic Party must continue to put working-people first and address their concerns about the cost of living, public safety, and our shared democratic values,” he added.

“I look forward to working with senior members of the party, as we make our push towards November, and ensure we address the concerns of New Yorkers and all Americans,” Adams continued.

After announcing on Sunday that he will not seek the presidential re-election, Biden said he will fully support Harris for the Democratic nomination.

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” he said. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”

Meanwhile, Harris said she was “honored” to receive Biden’s endorsement, describing the president’s decision not to seek re-election as “selfless and patriotic act”.

Stressing Biden’s patriotism, Harris noted that Biden was “putting the American people and our country above everything else.”

“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” she pledged in a statement.