Within hours of President Joe Biden announcing he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (6th District) praised Biden’s 52-year political career and also endorsed Harris as president.

“President Joe Biden has spent his entire life working on behalf of our nation to leave it better, fairer, and stronger for future generations,” Kilmer said in a written statement.

“(Biden) has led one of the most successful and historic administrations in history – pulling us out of the COVID pandemic, signing laws to lower health care costs, to invest in our infrastructure and in American manufacturing, and to combat the climate crisis,” he said.

“Time and time again, he has fought for people and communities that are too often left behind. His legacy of public service is profound…Thank you for your outstanding service, Mr. President.”

Kilmer provided a separate statement endorsing Harris for president.

“As a prosecutor, a United States Senator, and as our Vice President, Kamala Harris has…made a real difference. Working with President Biden, she helped pass historic legislation to lower health care costs, to invest in American manufacturing and rebuild our infrastructure, and to take bold action to combat the climate crisis. She has been a leading voice to protect reproductive rights and has been a champion for voting rights.

“The stakes of this election could not be higher. I believe Vice President Harris can – and must – win at the ballot box in November. I support her, and I will do everything I can to help elect her so we can unite our country and build a better future for all Americans.”

In the days leading to Biden dropping out of the race, many congressional Democrats had publicly come out saying that the 81-year-old president needed to drop out of the race. Kilmer had taken no public position on whether Biden should back out.