Biden Was 'Selfless' To Step Down, Says Central NJ Congressman Pallone

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Rep. Frank Pallone, the Congressman who represents Central New Jersey, thanked President Joe Biden Sunday for announcing he would drop out of the presidential race.

Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Murphy is being named as a possible vice president candidate to run with Kamala Harris, according to the New Jersey Globe.

“President Biden's decision to step back from the nomination reflects his selflessness as a leader," said Pallone, a Democrat. "His legacy of putting his country first is underscored by more than fifty years of public service. I am grateful for his calm leadership while navigating the most challenging role on the planet, especially after four years of tumult and division sowed by Donald Trump."

"Now, our party must come together to defeat the authoritarian policies of the Republican nominee and ensure American democracy endures," he said.

Pallone is a Democrat and he has represented Central New Jersey in Congress for the past 36 years, since he was first elected to Congress in 1988. The congressional district he represents is called NJ's Sixth Congressional District. The district includes the towns of Carteret, Woodbridge, Edison, Metuchen and New Brunswick. It hugs the Raritan Bay coastline, including towns such as Aberdeen, Matawan, Hazlet, North Middletown, Sea Bright and West Long Branch/Long Branch, and stretches all the way down to Asbury Park.

Pallone also said he will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, joining fellow New Jersey Democrats such as Gov. Murphy, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Andy Kim, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, who all said they will be backing Harris.

“I’m proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President,” said Pallone. "Under President Biden and Vice President Harris, we have seen America forge ahead with the strongest economy in the Western world, historically low unemployment, and strong job creation. This election will be an accomplished prosecutor versus a convicted felon. Kamala Harris is the leader we need to drive real change and ensure everyone has a fair shot."