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U.S. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, D-Selma and Dallas County Democratic Chairman Collins Pettaway III react to President Joe Biden withdrawing from the U.S. Presidential race on Sunday. 

Biden attended the Bridge Crossing Jubilee on March 5, 2023.  Sewell, a Selma native, released a statement and thanked Biden in his role as President.

“President Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the most consequential and transformational leaders America has ever seen,” Sewell said. “At a time of great uncertainty, President Biden rescued our nation from a pandemic, beat back attacks on our democracy, and restored decency to the White House. I was proud to work alongside him to deliver billions of dollars in infrastructure investments to Alabama, lower health care and prescription drug costs, cancel student debt, and so much more.”

Collins Pettaway III, Chairman of the Dallas County Democratic Party, praised Biden for the work he did as President, especially in the area. 

“Since taking office, President Biden has proved himself to be one of the most progressive presidents of our time, Pettaway said. “He has fulfilled his promises regarding economic growth, affordable access to housing, equitable educational opportunities, and much more. Bringing his achievements closer to home, the American Rescue Plan provided millions of dollars to Dallas County, its municipalities, and communities to help restore our local economy during a very difficult pandemic season. I can only begin to imagine the magnitude of difficulty he faced when making the tough decision to end his campaign for a second term. His record is clear, and his resume will forever speak for itself. We are grateful to President Biden for his patriotism and his willingness and drive to always be a guiding force for Alabama’s Black Belt, specifically Dallas County.”

Sewell said she endorses Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential nominee. Harris appeared at the Bridge Crossing Jubilee on March 3 and two years ago.

“I plan to do everything in my power, from now until November, to make Kamala Harris the next President of the United States,” Sewell said.

Pettaway applauds Biden’s decision to endorse Harris as a Presidential candidate.

“The Dallas County Democrats wholeheartedly support President Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee,” Pettaway said. “Vice President Harris has remained a consistent force over the last 3.5 years, and we are confident that she will continue the groundwork that has been laid for years to come.”

Sewell said the November election is important.

“November’s election remains the most critical of our lifetime, when our rights and freedoms hang in the balance,” Sewell said. “For the sake of our democracy, we as Democrats should come together, follow President Biden’s lead, and unite behind Kamala Harris as our nominee.”