These Florida Democrats have endorsed Kamala Harris after Biden dropped out

So far, Florida Democrats seem to be all in fo U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden on the November ballot after he abruptly dropped out of the race and endorsed her Sunday.

The Florida Dems who have made public statements all praised Biden for his service, his record and his patriotism for stepping down, and then got excited for Harris.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston was quick to post on social media that she had "total faith" in Vice President Harris after Biden "put his country first, and passed the torch he carried to his battle-tested and trusted Vice President."

"Vice President Harris can continue the unparalleled success of the current White House, and lead America away from a return to the deadly, chaotic and immoral gutter that Trump tried to drag America into," she said .

Former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell , currently challenging Rick Scott's Senate seat, said "We must follow his example and stand united behind Vice President Kamala Harris and continue to fight for the freedom, democracy, and opportunities that brought so many of us to this incredible nation."

In a later post , she said, "When women come together, when we create movements, when we stand up to injustice we WIN. And when we WIN, democracy and freedom wins. Can't wait for November!"

Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, posted on Sunday that "the Democratic Party must be more united than ever to defeat Donald Trump." On Monday, she announced that within 24 hours of Biden's announcement, 236 of Florida's 254-member delegation had signed a letter endorsing Harris .   

"Vice President Harris keeps Florida in play," said Fried in a Zoom meeting with reporters. "We are running a former prosecutor against a convicted felon. No one is better prepared than Vice President Harris to prosecute the case against Donald Trump."

Two other famous local leaders, who were the first women to hold their own offices, weighed in:

Donna Deegan , the first woman to serve as mayor of Jacksonville, said, "President  @JoeBiden  has always put the country first as he did today. I'm grateful for his transformational leadership and for his belief and investment in Jacksonville. Vice President  @KamalaHarris  has my full support as the Democratic nominee and our next President."

And Daniella Levine Cava , the first woman to be mayor of Miami-Dade, agreed. "I'm energized to shatter glass ceilings this November with Vice President Kamala Harris as our first Madam President," she said. "A former prosecutor, Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and accomplished public servant, VP Harris has the gumption and experience to lead our nation"

Congressional supporters for Kamala Harris

Members of Congress who have spoken up also include:

"I am proud to endorse Vice President  @KamalaHarris  to be President of the United States," said Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-FL10 . "Let's get to work to defeat Trump and reject fascism."

Rep. Kathy Castor, D-FL14 , said, "She is a fighter who stands up for reproductive freedoms, civil rights, lowering costs for families and lifting up all Americans. I look forward to working for her election and defeating Donald Trump."

I fully stand behind President Biden's decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee. She is undoubtedly the only candidate who is well-equipped to beat Donald Trump and lead our country as the next president," said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-FL20 .

"As we approach the most consequential election of our lifetime, I am proud to support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President," said Rep. Lois Frankel, D-F22 . "With her strength, experience, and leadership, we can build on the progress we've made the last four years, bring costs down further, protect reproductive freedom, and defeat Donald Trump's extreme Project 2025 agenda this November."

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-FL23 kept it simple. "I hereby endorse Kamala Harris! That's the tweet."

"She is more than qualified to be President," Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-FL24 said, "having served as Vice President, U.S. Senator, California's Attorney General, and District Attorney of San Francisco. She is tested, ready and I'm proud to stand with our next President of the United States."

Florida senate supporters for Kamala Harris

Sen. Lauren Book, D-35 , Democratic Leader of the Florida Senate and the highest-ranking elected Democrat in the state, welcomed Harris with open arms.

"Kamala Harris has shown unwavering dedication to uplifting all Americans," she said. "Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing policies that benefit working families, and I have been proud to stand with her on numerous occasions in our fight for women's reproductive freedom.

"Having sat next to the Vice President at reproductive rights round tables, spoken alongside her on what should have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and joined her at the White House for a convening on reproductive rights, I know that Kamala Harris is the leader we need to meet this pivotal moment in our nation's history," she said.

"I am with Kamala!" cheered Sen. Rosalind Osgood, D-32 .

Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-34:  said, "It's time for Democrats to unite in support of Vice President @KamalaHarris. She has my full support as the leader needed to meet this moment and defeat Donald Trump."

"Thank you @potus for an incredible presidency and for putting the country first. LFG @KamalaHarris," posted Sen. Tina Polsky, D-30 , echoing recent "Deadpool & Wolverine movie hashtags. "You will be an incredible first female president and it's about time!! We are all so excited to get to work!"

Senator-elect Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-17 said, "I've NEVER been more excited or had more optimism about the future of our nation + our party than I do right now. Kamala Harris has my support. She'd be an amazing POTUS, re-energize our Democratic coalition, and defeat Trump once and for all.

"What a time to be alive," he said.

Kamala Harris supporters in the State House:

Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-63 thanked Biden for his service, then told Harris, "@KamalaHarris - Can't wait to call you POTUS. Folks, we have an election to win - let's do this!"

I look forward to supporting our Vice President @KamalaHarris and working hard to elect her as our President this November!" said Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-95 .

"She embodies the intersectionality of our nation and reflects our shared experiences," said Rep. Michele Rayner, D-62 , who lists her pronouns on X as "She/They/Tired." "Vice President Harris is not only ready to serve our country as President, but she also possesses the most extensive experience to do so. As a Democratic delegate, State House Representative, a Link and Sister Greek, and a Black Queer woman in America, I am energized and fully committed to supporting Vice President Kamala Devi Harris."

"I am 1908% in with you Madam Soror Vice-President!!!!" said Rep. Ashley Gantt, D-109 .

Rep. Lindsay Cross, D-60 focused on Biden. "Thank you Pres Biden. Bc of you, America is stronger than ever. You pulled us out of the pandemic, diverted a recession & made historic investments in American People. I'm excited to support @VP as our champion to fight MAGA extremism & dangerous policies that threaten democracy."

"Vice President Harris has proven herself as a leader and shown the American people that she is worthy of being the leader of the free world posted Rep. Daryl Campbell, D-99 . "I am undoubtedly, unequivocally with HER."

James Call, Tallahassee Democrat contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Kamala Harris: Florida Democrats who support her as candidate