Durbin becomes highest-ranking Senate Democrat to endorse Harris

Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, officially endorsed Vice President Harris to become the Democratic presidential nominee on Monday, joining a growing list of influential Democrats to back her bid for the White House.

Durbin becomes the highest ranked Senate Democrat to throw their weight behind her nascent campaign, joining House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), the No. 2 House Democrat.

Nearly three dozen Senate Democrats have endorsed her for the top of the ticket in less than a day since President Biden revealed that he will step aside from that position.

“I’m proud to endorse my former Senate colleague and good friend, Vice President Kamala Harris,” he said in a statement. "Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity and not MAGA chaos. Vice President Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years.”

“Count me in with Kamala Harris for President,” he said.

While Durbin made his move official, top Democrats still had not officially backed her run for the presidency.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have yet to endorse her. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former President Obama also have yet to publicly bless her campaign. 

Part of the wait, Democratic strategists and party figures suggested on Monday, was out of respect for Biden after his unprecedented decision.