Indiana politicians from both sides of the aisle were quick to weigh in on the seismic shift in the presidential race following President Joe Biden’s decision on Sunday to end his reelection campaign and endorse vice president Kamala Harris for the role.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race comes weeks after his debate against former President Donald Trump, where his performance sparked criticism and pressure from other Democratic leaders.
Indiana is sending 88 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in August, and some of them also reacted to the stunning news. Many declined to comment, however.
“I’m absolutely going to support the Democrat ticket, and it’ll be fun to find out who’s running for vice president,” said former state senator Karen Tallian of Porter County. She also said she is supporting Harris for president.
Derek Camp, a delegate who serves as the Allen County Democratic Party, emphasized that delegates “still have a few weeks” to decide on their nominees. Camp said support for Harris seems more decided, but he plans to “let the process play out over the next few days and weeks” before casting his vote.
“I think what we’ll see is probably a party that’s nationally unified behind Vice President Harris, moving forward,” Camp said. “She’s been there with (Biden) the last three-plus years doing that work with him, so she’s certainly more than capable of stepping into that role.”
He said the president’s announcement “goes to show who Joe Biden is as a person.”
“He’s dedicated his lifetime to serving this country — in the senate, as vice president, and then president — and he’s done a lot to move this country forward, including the all the stuff that he passed the last three years … the rescue plan, the infrastructure plan, the CHIPS Act,” Camp continued. “All of that goes towards his legacy as someone who will go down in history as one of the most consequential presidents, I think, in our modern times.”
Party apparatus speaks
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl thanked the President for leading the country and his work in office and endorsed Harris as Biden’s successor. He highlighted Biden’s efforts to pass several key pieces of legislation, including the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, the American Rescue Plan, Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.
“More than anyone, President Biden understands the importance of this election and this moment,” he said. “That’s why after deliberation and thought, he has decided to leave the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump and stop Project 2025.”
“Americans are hungry for a new generation of leadership from the White House to local offices to move America forward with liberty and justice for all,” Schmuhl continued. “Now is the time to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump and continue the progress of the last three-plus years.”
Several other Indiana Democrats — including U.S. 7th District Congressman André Carson and Pete Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend and current U.S. Transportation Secretary — also thanked Biden for his leadership on X.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished under President Biden, like setting our economy on the right path after COVID-19,” Carson said in a post on X. “Democrats stand for reason and justice, and we stand on the right side of history. Onward.”
“Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American History,” Buttigieg said in his own X post. “I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.”
Former U.S. Ambassador and Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly said in another X post he worked with Biden to pass the Affordable Care Act and support Chrysler workers’ jobs in Indiana.
“President Biden devoted his whole life to our country. I am so grateful for his service and friendship. God bless you, Joe Biden. We owe you a big thank you and debt of gratitude,” Donnelly said.
GOP reaction
Indiana Republican politicians have also shared their thoughts on Biden’s decision to drop out of the race.
“If Biden ending his campaign is in the best interest of his political ‘party and the country,’ it raises legit questions about his ability to continue to serve as president,” Ethan Lawson, a Republican candidate for the Indiana House, said in an X post.
U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-District 3, also weighed in on X.
“Every Democrat knew Joe Biden couldn’t run for office,” Banks wrote in the post. “They set him up to embarrass himself at the debate with Trump. Now they’re robbing their voters of a choice in the nominee so their party elites can choose! Hijacking democracy!”
He added in another post that “If Joe Biden if is unfit for campaigning, he’s unfit for office. If Joe doesn’t resign, the 25th amendment must be invoked!”
Other Democratic reaction includes from Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick and Attorney General candidate Destiny Wells.
“Respecting and appreciating the legacy of President Biden’s service, I support his decision to not seek re-election to another term,” McCormick said. “President Biden has been a steadfast patriot and leader for our country. His decision to withdraw from the presidential race is yet another act of service in a long and distinguished career dedicated to the betterment of the United States. President Biden’s tenure in public service has been marked by kindness. We should honor President Biden’s legacy, patriotic devotion, and service to our country as we move forward. It is time for the Democratic Party to build on the myriad accomplishments of the Biden administration and strive to uphold the values of integrity, justice, and unity that he has exemplified.”
Wells said she is “forever grateful for the direction President Biden has led our country—let’s continue due north and get to work. Anything is possible and I am anxious to seize the opportunities ahead,” stated Destiny Wells. “I join all Americans in rallying to continue President Biden’s work by supporting Vice-President Kamala Harris.”
By Mia Hilkowitz and Casey Smith — The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, not-for-profit news organization that covers state government, policy and elections.
